Currently Loving: Glidden's Dusty Miller Paint Color

If peace was a color, I think it would be this "Dusty Miller" color by Glidden.

This paint color perfectly reflects it's leafy namesake, a hearty plant that is worth adding to your garden, and both are my current obsession.

D painted the nursery this color and the more time that we spend in there with our girls, the more we love this color. 

The airy sage tone changes with the light throughout the day to a peaceful gray in the evenings. 

If you're looking for inspiration for your next paint project, definitely give this color a try! 

PEACE!

Products to Love: Things that smell nice & look pretty

Things that smell nice

Way late to the party I JUST fell in love with the Mrs. Meyers brand. If you haven't picked up on it, I am crazy picky when it comes to moisturizers & this lotion makes the cut. It is thick enough to provide serious relief to overworked hands, it smells amazing and it is not sticky at all. Yep, I fell for this lotion, then I ran away with the room spray and picked up a candle on the way out the door. 

Something that looks pretty
 
Now I typically stay in my lane when it comes to makeup purchases (see also: boring) but this gorgeous red STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS Y'ALL. 

A true red that promises to not just stay but SUPER STAY, yass I'm in.

Cost:  $5.99, Color: Pioneer

Ease of Application: Difficult 
Because this color is so bold, lip lining needs to be done accurately, i.e. not in the passenger seat of a truck. Kudos for the applicator wand though, it works well. 

Results After 1 Hour:
Kissed two kids with zero smudges. 

Results After 2 Hours:
Chugged coffee with zero smudges.  Used chapstick, lipstick is still staying put.

Results After 4 Hours:
Holy crap this lipstick super stays!  

Bottom Line:
This lipstick is definitely a win. I put it on at 9am, wore it through kid drop-offs, meetings, a coffee break & lunch.  

 
I'm no model but taking a photo was worth it for this red.

au re(d)voir,
D&H 
 

breastfeeding: the real eat, pray, love.

Prior to having kids I did not consider what breastfeeding would require of me - that it would impact everything from when I sleep to what I eat, drink and wear.  It is demanding.  I also did not realize the connection and quality time that it would give me with my girls. 

I am so thankful that I have been able to breastfeed both of my girls and that I work in environments that provide clean spaces for me to pump when I am at work.  

It is difficult to explain the mental gear shift that happens before and after breastfeeding - my pregame routine for hockey begins with a feeding session, and throughout the day when I step away from work to feed (or pump) it can be a challenging momentum shift. 

But these moments are so special to me.  I've prayed for these girls and I couldn't love them more.  

For all of you breastfeeding mommas out there, I hope that today you take a deep breath and enjoy your little miracle!  As moms we tackle countless issues throughout the day, it is easy to miss the little victories, like a few minutes to just sit down and stare at our baby. 

If you have a friend, family member or colleague that is breastfeeding, please remember that she has a 2-4 hour breastfeeding timer - her body is working to nourish her baby even when the baby isn't there and to maintain her milk supply she needs to pump when her baby would need to feed. Be considerate of her time. Be respectful of her privacy when she needs to feed.  If she is carrying a breastfeeding bag (to or from!) where she pumps, you do not need to urgently stop her and talk to her. Give her peace; her mind and body are working overtime.   

Below are a few links that I have found helpful.

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  

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Links
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kellymom
The authority on everything breastfeeding- including charts with info on breastmilk storage.

Using your Health Savings Account (HSA or FSA) for breastfeeding products

I always give new moms that I meet the items below when they are planning to breastfeed.
Lanolin: Use after EACH feeding, no exceptions!
Gel Pads: When just starting to breastfeed, keep these in the freezer and after each time you breastfeed apply lanolin then these pads.  It will keep your nips from cracking!   
Milk Storage Bags: Lay them down in the freezer so that they freeze flat, then place upright in bins to keep organized by date. 
Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow: There is a reason this pillow is the #1 best seller. 



  

To My Second Kid

I recently saw the video of the moment we found out we were having you - our second little girl.  I cried but not quite like I had when I found out about your sister.

You see, with your big sister I was terrified that I wouldn't be good mom to a little girl. I was scared that we couldn't have a healthy, loving relationship - I didn't know what that kind of relationship would even look like.  Then I had her in my arms and love conquered all. All fear. All pain. All insecurities.  Our relationship just is. She is her own little person, I love her and she loves me.

There is something so simple and pure in love. I wish I had known that before and had not been so afraid.

Then you came along and I cried again, but that time I cried because I was so excited that I got to do it all over again. I got to have ANOTHER little girl. Not one, but TWO. Two girls that I can raise to be strong, brave, confident and loving. Two girls that I can encourage, love, snuggle, tickle and teach.

I will always strive to be the kind of mother you girls need, and at the end of each day I'll go over in my mind the moments I had with you girls and challenge myself to be the best mom I can be.  I'm sure there will be days when you girls can't stand me, and I'll be scared that I'm not the best mom, but love will conquer all.  I could never have imagined the kind of love that I have for you girls -it is going to embarrass you girls when you're older I'm sure. 

So for you, my adorable second kid, you get a mom that is a little more at ease, a little more tired, whose hands are a little more full and whose hair is a little more gray.

You, my wonderful second kid, get a mom that is tirelessly working to be the first - the first person you see loving unconditionally, the first person you see willing to sacrifice with joy, the first person embracing who you are and teaching you faithfulness.  The first to challenge you, encourage you and love you. The first to hold you up so you feel strong and the first to hold you tight when you feel weak.

You are earnest, full of joy and your eyes are wild with wonder and curiosity.  You are a sweet, gentle and graceful addition to our family.

You, my luminescent second little girl, are so loved.
   

MLK: Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination.  I encourage you to take the time to read his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail".  

My words can do no justice to MLK's letter, but if you have yet to read it, I will say a few words about his letter since it has absolutely influenced my perspective on several issues, including recent marches and protests. 

He communicates his thought process, strategy and leadership for his campaign with an eloquence and authority that is incredibly moving, but most importantly, his letter highlights the love he has for his fellow man.  

His letter was written with love poured over every word; love for those who agreed with him and those who didn't.  Love was the beautiful chorus around which his verses were written.  His words were torturous, humbling and inspiring to read; not only had he been put through atrocities against the human heart, soul and body, but he reacted with a composure, methodical process and articulate message that resulted in real and lasting change for our entire country. 

His purpose came from an empirical understanding of injustice.  His message was clear because vandals and antagonists could not participate in his cause.  He spoke and acted with love for his fellow man and his mark on our country cannot be understated. 

I hope you take the time to honor him and read his beautiful letter.
~D & H
 

DIY Kitchen Upgrades: Go Green!

From the moment I first saw this kitchen I was OBSESSED with it!  It has been the heart of our home for several years now and it was time to give it a little love. 

We painted the cabinets, updated the trim, added a new light and drawer pulls.  I am absolutely LOVING the fresh look and have included links to the products below.   

Here is our kitchen before...

...and after.

Pendant Light
D converted the can light over the sink to a pendant light using this kit. He then hung this antique steel finish pendant. Since the light bulb is visible we splurged for these LED Edison bulbs. 

Drawer Pulls
These drawer pulls vibe with the hardware we already have and work so much better than the knobs.   

Paint
We chose Miller's Cove Sage for the color, it feels so much more grounded than the blue that the cabinets used to be.
 

Here are a few more photos, I love this kitchen even more after the years of cooking, baking and quality time that I've spent in it with family and friends. 

(Also, I have to say it because I can't stand overly staged photos - I really was making a smoothie for myself, then my littlest fell asleep in her bouncer and I didn't want to startle her with the noise.  We'll give her another month and she'll be just as immune to all my crazy noise as her big sister!)

D really took this project home, I had started this project during my LAST spring break, thinking I could knock it out in a week...um, that's a NO girl, no you can't!  The top and bottom cabinets were mismatched for ALMOST an entire year!  Mucho thanks to him for finishing the painting and also for his craftsmanship on the trim that adds a little elegance.  

Cheers to many more recipes, art projects, gatherings and giggles in this wonderful little kitchen,  

D & H

Easy Way To Teach Kids Their Address

I had an "aha" moment a few weeks ago as my toddler was reciting the names of the Bubble Guppies - why does she not know our address and phone numbers?   

God forbid she ever need the information, but the thought of my kid running around this earth knowing the Bub-bub-bub-bub-bubble Guppies and not her address just seemed insane. 

So I taught her the same way I accidentally taught her the lyrics to "Body Like a Back Road" - repetition.

Each time I pull into the driveway, I recite our address and phone numbers. 

This is how it goes for us:
"E do you know where you live? Where do you live?" Then I say our address. 
"Do you know how to call mommy? Say call my mommy," then I say my phone number.   Within a few weeks, she had it memorized.

I love my kids. I'd low jack them if I could, but I can't, I asked. So this is giving me some peace.  

I may not be there at every moment to hold their hands, but I pray that no matter where they go, they will always find the way home. 

If you give this a try, or have other ways you teach your kids about basic safety, I'd love to hear it! 

~D & H