The response to reading Bloom "together" was so great, I have decided to take another go at a virtual book club. If you would like to join me (and a few others!) this month we are reading: Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. I just started and let me tell you, it is a beautiful and gripping story.

Alex and I are thrilled to be featuring Stephanie, from Glitter and Goat Cheese for today's Nine to Five. Steph is an Atlanta girl, who knows how to keep it cool in the sweltering heat. She even rocks ankle booties year round. This girl has some serious style. Be sure to check out her recent escapades in house hunting and home decorating on her blog as well as her Q&A with Alex over at the saga of a twenty-something.

Outfit details: Banana Republic Sweater (similar) // Target Tank // J.Crew Factory Skirt // Ash Jalouse Bootie // Marc by Marc Jacobs Wishbone Necklace (similar) // Coach Poppy Sequined Clutch (similar) // Nixon Watch // J.Crew Purple Pave Link and String Bracelets // F21 Spiked Bracelet (similar) // Samantha Flat-top Ring

Blogger turned friend, Whitney sent me an email with the above subject line and a link to these adorable shoes:

My head is in a fog. I can't seem to poke through to the clear sky I know is above. Its a smothering kind of feeling, but subtle. If I don't pay attention it feels as though I might just permanently get lost. And then I realize, that I am trying to do it on my own. I am fighting those who are there to help. I am running away from all I know is true and trying to grasp all that I hold dear.

My first co-workers, at my very first real-life-list-on-your-resume job, coined it the "Shannon Shame Spiral." I get a bit worked up and get spun around so that I can't tell which way is up and what is right anymore. Bless them for making me laugh at my insecurity, for giving me confidence.

Bless them for being dead on right.

///

This week has been a shame spiral.
We are traveling three of the next four weekends.
Two of my very dearest friends are leaving DC.
Leaving for places far enough away that there is not a promise of frequent visits.
I have major projects going on at work.
The olympics are making me cry every time I turn on the television.
I so desperately struggle to find the balance of being confident in the reasons why I work a traditional job and yearning to play hookey, run away from it all and spend my days at a park with Behr.



How is that for a random Thursday post? I may or may not post tomorrow. But there is definitely a Saturday Shoes around the bend.

Let's just be honest here for a second. There is no way I can survive on carrot sticks and rice cakes alone. Maybe that is why the baby weight is still around...but I do try to make wise-ish choices for both me and Behr. Mark on the other hand makes his own snacking decisions...

I try to pack a healthy lunch, homemade oatmeal for breakfast most mornings. But sometimes, my backups run dry and I need to venture to the snackbar at my office. The scary place filled with hot dogs and cotton candy (yes, seriously) and more bags of chips than you could ever imagine...But thanks to some consious co-workers, there are also a few more positive options. This is what I tend to reach for (clockwise from the top left):

Ginny Bakes Coconut Oatmeal Bliss - with only a handfull of ingredients, all of which I can pronounce and identify in my very own pantry. If I am going to scarf on cookies...at least a two pack of these has me restricted...more so than the entire sleeve of oreos they sell for $2.

Late July Sandwich Cookies - when you put flavors like vanilla bean and green tea together, you have me swooning, add a family run business with two adorable boys serving as the R&D team and I am sold. Not to mention they are absolutely delicious. These are my new favorites.

Annie's Fruit Snacks - while my work snackbar does not sell these, I buy them in bulk to keep on hand for particularly cranky commutes home with Behr. He loves them. The packaging is small, so he only gets a few. And on a very rare occasion, I have been known to eat them myself during a particularly harried day.

Justin's Peanut Butter Cups - I am OBSESSED. These are a rare treat. But they are so good, that I have been able to dicepline myself away from all other chocolate to reserve it for these. I get Dark Chocolate of course...

Umpqua Oats - when I can't eat/make breakfast at home, this has replaced the egg and cheese sandwhich in my life. Marked improvement.

Veggie Booty - again, not sold at my work snackbar...but esential for family survival. Veggie booty joins us nearly every time we travel as a treat when kid-friendly snacking can be difficult.

So there you have it, a few confessions about my eating habits, my lingering baby weight, and a roundup of my favorite "healthy" snacks. What are your go-to snacks?

The Olympic games are about to begin. Commercials, highlights, and top moments have been streaming across the television in preparation for London 2012. I live for the Olympics.

I was the little girl who memorized Kerry Strug's floor routine. I showed up early for swim practice to squeeze in extra laps. I stayed late after diving practice for a few more tips from my coach. I met Olympic athletes like Mary Ellen Clark and hung their signatures on my door to inspire me towards greatness. I read books about champions, motivational pieces about hard work, discipline, and training. Some of my former teammates and opponents have gone on to Olympic games, one even competing again this summer.

I was a kid with a dream, but not enough talent. Yet, none of that has tarnished the Olympics for me. I love them. But things have changed.

Where I once would observe and analyze, rattling off statistics and related cases, I now swell with tears of joy. My throat tightens and my face turns splotchy. There is now a crack in the dam that was my hardened shell of emotionless articulation.

Motherhood has changed me.

The Holy Spirit has done a work in me during the process of motherhood. My heart has been opened to see the Glory of God in ways I never would have noticed. From an infants first coo, to the overwhelming joy of outstretched arms. In motherhood, I have realized the preciousness of the children of God. Children who are intricately fragile and robust, simple and complex. Each one of those Olymplic athletes was once a child with hope and dreams, whose parents clapped when they took first steps, never imagining the finishlines they would some day cross.

And you know, the beauty of it all brings me to tears. I am completely undone by God's creation. Remarkable accomplishments like those of Olympic athletes are the Glory of God on display for all of humanity. And that is something to celebrate.

Welcome to Nine to Five, a Monday morning blog series to inspire your wardrobe and provide a punch of energy to your work week. Today I am so excited to have Morgan from Reidmore. Morgan is a lifestyle blogger with an eye for graphics. Be sure to check out how she hits the on trend details (chambray, knife pleat maxi, strappy sandals) with bargain basics with Alex!


:: Describe your work environment from a style perspective? ::
I work for a wedding technology start up, so the office environment is casual, young, and hip. The lax dress code allows a lot of freedom for my personal style. Because most my coworkers are young and stylish women, I like that I can be adventurous and try new trends!

:: What are your nine to five staples? ::
Now that I’m getting a real paycheck, I’m making a conscious effort to invest more in staple pieces and spend less on trendy items. I’m still a hardcore budget shopper though! A few of my favorite places to shop for work are J. Crew, TJ Maxx, Forever 21, Buffalo Exchange, H&M, and Old Navy.

:: Does blogging make you a better employee at your day job? ::
Nine to five I’m in sales mode. This can be very stressful, so blogging helps me relax and take my mind off work for a while.

:: Do you view blogging as a means of recording life, or as the start of an alternative career? :: 
At the moment blogging is just something I do for myself as a creative outlet. However, I’ve got experience working in social media and have been a graphic designer for 7 years, so I do have a plan to eventually turn this into something more. I’d love utilize these skills and work with other bloggers or small businesses to help them tweak their product!

:: Is blogging your main outlet, or do you also write novels, run marathons, and knit all of your own sweaters? :: 
I’m addicted to blogging! On my lunch break at work I’ll sneak little peaks at my twitter timeline and catch up on my friends’ posts! Other than my job in the wedding business, I also have a freelance position as the Social Media Editor for U Chic.com, so it seems like I’m constantly glued to the computer!

:: How do you find time to do it all? When do you blog? :: 
Making time can be tough. Juggling a career, a freelance job, blogging, and a social life has proved to be difficult. I keep a Google Calendar and schedule in specific evenings to blog, which makes me stick to my commitment. It helps that I enjoy what I do with my blog!

:: Finaly, what have you been pinning lately? What are the items you are just dying to add to your work wardrobe? ::
Lately I’ve not been pinning style items, but actually home décor! I just moved into a much larger apartment and I’m trying to build up necessary home furnishings. Pinterest has been a lifesaver when it comes to decorating! It’s helped me with everything from which prints to buy, how to refinish my bar cart, and even with deciding on my paint color!

You can follow Morgan on her blog, twitter, and pinterest - maybe you'll even catch a sneak peek of how her new apartment is coming along - I am seeing visions of a little bar cart DIY! Thanks so much for being part of our Nine to Five Series. 

 
 

Thoughts on Bloom, by Kelle Hampton.

I immediately knew I wanted to read this book. It was pre-ordered in my amazon shopping cart the day that pre-orders began. I started reading Kelle's blog, Enjoying The Small Things in 2009 following along her pregnancy journey and soaking up adorable pictures of her first daughter Lainey. I have loved their family story, and more than anything wanted to support the release of the book. When the book arrived, it sat on my kitchen table for weeks, being shuffled with piles of paper, while I lacked both the time and motivation to sit down and read. In late June, I decided on a whim to read this book with a friend. We gave ourselves the month of July, never imagining how two busy working moms would finished this book in under two weeks! Our summaries to one another were just a few (long) emails. And you know what, it was fun.

I have never been part of a "book club." And after a few failed attempts to join one, I have resolved that you, the blogging community, may be my best shot. So here is goes, my first ever online book club post. Bloom has been out for a few months now, and I know some of you have read it. Hopefully you will join me in the comments to continue the conversation. I would love to hear your thoughts as well, after all, you are officially part of my book club.



Prologue. No matter how may times I read the story of Nella’s birth, I always cry and I always think Kelle is a crazy wonder woman! Favors for her hospital guests? And the sheer number of people there before delivery, during contractions, for the delivery? Crazy! No ma’am, not me. I thought when I first read her story, and having Behr totally reinforced the fact that no-way, no-how will my hospital room ever be as hopping as hers. Also, I don’t know many people with friends like that.

Dr. Foley, her pediatrician sounds amazing. I am in love with that woman.

Chapter 1. Whoa, pictures of Kelle Hampton with blond hair (cue wedding pictures). The scare, while her husband was away, the big clot. Scary. I also never knew Kelle had stepsons.

Chapter 2. I appreciate that she gave such a personal example of how and why she learned to deal with change throughout her life. At first the story in this chapter seems to be there for shock value, but the more I read the book, the more it fits. The letter her Dad wrote, recounting the first days was incredible. “And I wonder if gratitude is the uniformed doorman of the heart…”

Chapter 3. Again, reminded of her incredible friends, or “the net” as they call themselves. “I looked in the mirror. It was horrifying.” So true. Your first full view of yourself post-labor is an out of body experiences. Leg warmers. Didn’t realize people still had these/sold these. But so smart post-labor. I love Marsha. Why does her brother call her Kas? She explained why she calls him Bubby. I am blown away that she wanted her husband home with Lainey. I think I would be just the opposite – send my friends to care for Behr, give me my husband.

Chapter 4. Husband brought Beer. 10 points. A great song. Sara Groves is spot on. Sister Carin’s speech…”You know, through pain, you learn a lot about yourself – things you thought you never knew you wanted to learn.” Choose your own adventure book reference, classic.

Chapter 5. Tanning Booth – perfection. Bubby is one smart brother. Theresa’s letter made me cry. I keep going back to read it. Wondering if I could ever give so much of myself, wondering how she can be so generous and selfless. (pg 99) Julie’s letter was also so well written. Nella’s going home outfit was the cutest thing ever. The woman in scrubs who went in to visit and meet Nella, what an incredible act of kindness.

Chapter 6. Skinny dipping story, outrageously hilarious. It amazes me how much this book has me rolling in fits of laughter. Pumping, like “a Hoover vac on crack.” I think my breastfeeding ended in a very similar way. Viewing blogging as walking deeper into Gratitude. Yes.

Chapter 7. The photo of Nella and Lainey make my ovaries hurt. Big sister and little sister, sharing an early embrace. Brett looking for the space heater story made me bawl my eyes out. Writing Nella’s story, I can’t imagine what that must have been like. And then to finish, his publish, and release it to the masses – incredible.

Chapter 8. This chapter unlocked the true turning point for Kelle when she wrote: “But it was in this beautiful mess of my former self that true potential dwelled – potential to be molded and shaped by a grand defining moment.” {page 148}

Chapter 9. It is people like the man in the airport that takes their family picture that gives me hope in humanity. Kelle’s Dad’s take on “God Spinners” got me rolling in laughter and then thinking very deeply. I appreciated this insight into the way things can be perceived. The stories she {finally!} told about Brett’s boys’ reactions to the news of Nella were so beautifully gracious.

Chapter 10. I continued to be surprised by how Kelle and Brett dealt with the reality of Down Syndrome, not talking to each other much, ignoring literature, avoiding information. Mark and I would have reacted the exact opposite. I read nine different books when I was pregnant, and three breastfeeding books, and that was all for a routine, no-risk pregnancy. I was relieved once she finally sank down and researched, and then my heart broke when it impacted her negatively.

My own raw wounds opened up as I read, “Would Lainey be welcoming her first grandchild and saying good-bye to her sister at the same time?” {page 192} And my heart broke for my own mother who buried her dad the weekend I told her I was expecting, and then buried both her mom and her sister before Behr was six months old. I still struggle with how I allowed my conflicting emotions of sorrow and joy to each mute the extremes of the other. I cannot imagine what it was like for my mom. And then the reality that the scenario Kelle described can happen with or without Down Syndrome made me want to hug my sisters hard.

Chapter 11. Brett’s questions about what Nella will be able to do are precious. Again, I am amazed that they want to move forward without digging into research, but I am impressed by their ability to grab life, and live it to their fullest.

Chapter 12. I love the story of David, her seemingly anonymous spontaneous therapist, and how it came full circle. And then there is the chapter’s namesake story, “your speech touched my heart.” 

Chapter 13. Kelle’s trip to Montana to visit Nici reminded me of my own blogger weekend in Boston last fall. Love those girls. Nella’s Rockstars were outrageous and awesome.

Chapter 14. I remember crying over the ONEder fund the first time, tears streamed re-reading about it here, and then again as I re-read the paragraph aloud for Mark. The email to her girlfriends, “the net,” was the first time addressing that they didn’t just join hands over beer and sing kumbaya.

The Velveteen Rabbit story was an excellent way to wrap up the book.


Overall, I thought the book was inspiring and encouraging, offer the hope of change and growth. I would love to hear your thoughts, have you read it? What do you think of my observations? Have you already blogged about this book - share the link! 

Friends, I am so excited to have Jen, one of our newest sponsors, here today. She has a keen eye for decorating, keeping details sharp, simple, and classic. I wish we lived closer so we could collaborate on fabulous events, but this guest post will have to do for now. Enjoy reading her tips as you think about your own summer soirees!


Hello fabulous readers of the Scribble Pad!

I'm Jen from Migonis Home blog where I blog about our home renovation and decorating adventures, party planning and just life stuff. Shannon and I decided to do a guest post swap today and she asked me to talk about the makings of a great party. I left my job as a full-time event planner for a college (Shannon and my alma matter) in June of 2011 to stay home with my son, Drew, full time. Since then I've taken on planning or decorating gigs and have loved working with clients to pull together that perfect party!

Let get started, shall we?


Tip One:
Everything should look well planned out. Invitations should coordinate with the placecards, the cards on the food table and the favors. It creates a flow to the entire event. Take this baby shower I threw for my best friend, Danielle... here are the invites:

None of this was done in any fancy program, either, I made the invites and the cards for the table in Word and sent them to a printer (I think you could use a Staples or a Kinkos). The cohesive feel is easy to do and it wasn't that expensive, either.
For our Easter dinner this year AJ and I made this flower box out of an old pallet. It was nice to have such a small group (five of us plus Drew) because it meant conversation was easier over just one table (I was worried it could be up to 12 people and I wasn't sure what to do...) and we could make a fun centerpiece like this because it was for just one table.

I am thrilled to be featuring our own Alex, the other half of Nine to Five. Its about time we shared what we wear to work! Alex is a Bostonian with some serious swank. She knots a belt like it's nobody's business and layers patterns and colors with ease. I stalk her instagram  (@alexhubbard) for style ideas, especially on dreary rainy days, when she always manages to look sunny!

Here is Alex balancing the summer heat in the city, and keeping thing buttoned up enough for the office. Love the way she mixes in a necklace from the weekend, and a contrasting colored belt! And of course she has the coolest accessory of all, Toby, the most happening dog in Boston. He even does doggy yoga! Learn more about Alex (and Toby) in her Q&A dish here.

Confession: I am about to share the best places for barbecue in Washington DC, but the truth is, I have never been to any of these places! Nope, not a single one. When it comes to a craving for BBQ, I turn to my favorite crock pot menu. But these are the three places that top my must-try list. I would love to hear what you have to say about them all.

Rocklands
2418 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Known for being a top choice of the White House, Rocklands is also known for its fantastic sides. If you enjoy cornbread, mac and cheese, and greens along with our BBQ, it sounds like Rocklands is the place for you.

Pork Barrel BBQ
2312 Mount Vernon Avenue  Alexandria, VA 22301Not actually in the District, but famous nevertheless. Pork Barrel BBQ was featured on Shark Tank and became a media sensation for being one of the first BBQ sauces to offer gluten free alternatives.

Hill Country BBQ
410 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Friends from Texas have told us its the best around. Plus the promise of live music! How have we never been? This might have to make it onto our summer bucket list (that is currently non-existant).

Do you have a favorite BBQ place? Or a favorite BBQ recipe? I would love to try it out. If you've shared it on your blog, be sure to leave a link in the comments!

Behr, you are a year and a half! I can hardly believe how the time has flown. Someone recently pointed out that your 2nd birthday is only six months away. I am not ready for that yet. I don't even want to start planning you party (my favorite thing to do) because that means I am accepting that you are getting older, no longer my little baby.

All I really have to do is look at you to see what a big boy you are becoming. Your hair is getting long and curly in the summer heat. Your knees are full of scrapes from your daring tumbles. You can now reach most surfaces in our house as you are growing so fast. Watching you become a big boy is so many mixed emotions, but mostly exciting. And yet, I cherish the snuggles that we still share.

You are striving to communicate with us. Your sign language has improved and the words you say are now said with authority, BOOK, BALL, CAR, HOT, Bu-BBLES, MORE, MILK, DUck, MOmma, DA(d). Sometimes you confuse who is Mom and who is Dad. I am not sure whether you mix us up just to get the giggles out of us, or if you really get confused. Either way, we are working on sorting out that distinction. We are also working on "thank you" and "yes please." I am thrilled that you are shaking your head yes when I guess the correct object you are pointing to, but as your Daddy reminds me, we can't hear your head shake. Hopefully that short little word will be next. "Yes!" Practice it with me now...Y-E-S, yes!

You love the spray park. The water was a bit intimidating to you at the start of the summer, but you have warmed up. We are thrilled that you now jump in enthusiastically. I can only pray to adapt to the beach this well. Our first try will be this weekend. Embrace the sand my little boy, embrace the sand!

You love to help me cook. We had a bit of a mess making cookies, but we laughed hysterically. You are teaching me that in life, there are no exact measurements. Every time I move towards the kitchen, you head perks up to see if you can "help." You are my ultimate sous chef.

I think you might be a techy at heart as well. You are obsessed with the vacuum, light switches, and you are learning how to play games on our iPhones. Now that you know the vacuum is stored in the front closet, you open the door in search of cleaning, often making a mess just to pull out the vaccum. We have had to move your crib over the few spare inches we had to keep you away from the light switch in your nursery.

And my oh my are you teething. Last week your Dad announced that as we approach your 18 month marker, we have regressed 12 months in sleep. You are awake far more than you sleep, and the hours between 7pm and 7am are especially brutal. Dare I say that getting molars is worse that cutting first teeth? Mommas everywhere just stopped reading this in horror! I wish I could do more to help. The upside to this pain is that you have renewed interest in brushing your teeth. It has even accompanied us out of the house on a few occasions. Perhaps it is the bristles offer some relief? Either way, I am glad to see you bond with your tooth brush once again.

Little man, we have made it a whole 18 months. This time last year, things were still pretty overwhelming, your first birthday seemed lightyears away, and I never could have imagined the simple rhythm our family would have settled into. We love you more that we ever knew our hearts could love and still that love continues to grow again and again and again...

skippack, pa

The Scribble Pad has landed in PA! Our cards are now being sold in an adorable brick and mortar shop right on the main drag of Historic Skippack Village. If you are in the Philadelphia/Lehigh Valley area and have not spent an afternoon strolling through Skippack, you are missing out. When you go, be sure to checkout Stitchwell Fabric.


and! Not only am I going to Influence, but so is my shop! I am thrilled to announce that I am part of a group of handmade shop oweners that will make up the marketplace, hosted by Sashes to the Merchants.  We are so honored to be able to join this group of Christian women.



Finally, there are a few giveaways being lined up across the blog-o-sphere. But they are still a secret. Be sure to follow us on twitter to catch when and where to enter. @TheScribblePad

Things have been busy, busy, busy for our etsy shop. New styles have been added and ideas are bubbling to make The Sashes Market a grand success. We are bowled over with excitement, and hope you are too!