Max Wagner and Bri Emery

I discovered this amazing photographer through Design Love Fest blog when I stumbled upon Bri's living room makeover. Max Wagner's Tulum photo was hanging above her dining room table, and I fell in love. Her new space is amazing, and so is this guy's photography. I especially love that he offers most of his photographs in really large sizes, so they can really make a statement on that big empty wall. Take a look at that colorful shot of New York--perfection.

And here are a few of Bri Emery's living room, decorated by none other than Emily Henderson (of HGTV Design Star fame):

All photos from Design Love Fest.

xoxo, 

Tanya

Lately

So. It looks like I've been missing from here for over three weeks, though I must admit it really does feel like much longer. I don't know what my reason for it is, because I think it may be a lot of things put together. I've been in my own little bubble these last few weeks, and gone through some good highs and some low lows, and I just haven't had the desire or the energy for the internet. Pregnancy just does things to me that I can't really anticipate, and sometimes it chews me up and spits me out, and I don't know what hit me at the end of it.

I think I mostly just wanted to be left alone for a while to do my own thing, get things done, get my life organized, and get my mind around all the changes that are about to take place in my life. I've had some really lonely nights, some insanely busy days, and a lot of emotions these last few weeks. I've also been nesting like nobody's business. I tend to get anxious and worry if I'm not completely prepared for something, which also translates into bad sleep, so I've been doing everything I can around the house to put things in order and prepare for this baby. I've sold things on Craigslist, bought things on Craigslist, cleaned out every closet in the house now, replaced all the clothes/shoes/sports equipment the kids are outgrowing, and purged and purged to get the useless things out of my life. I still have plenty of unfinished projects to finish, but I'm happy with my progress and the direction things are going.

Just this last week alone, we went to a birthday party, finished working on taxes and had our tax appointment, took Olivia to urgent care, had three soccer practices and a soccer game, had an OB appointment, went back to the doctor with Olivia, went to kindergarten registration, took all three kids to the dentist, did a Fun Run with the kids for their school, and had various Craigslist appointments as well. We now have a carseat, a breast pump, and picked up our crib from the in-laws, and I'm currently washing baby clothes and blankets for the first six months. I have two and a half weeks to go, and I'm pretty miserable by now, so I'm glad I don't have too much longer to go.

Hopefully now I will crawl out of my shell a little bit and start going out more, but who knows. I may just continue to cozy up in my own little world until this baby decides to arrive. Yesterday evening we had my sister and her family over to join us in the hot tub, and the guys grilled up some burgers and portobello mushrooms while us girls and all our wild kids soaked in the hot tub. It was a good way to end a really good day. And now I'm off to watch the story of Joseph with the fam, so I better wrap this up. :)

Here are some things we've been doing lately (and lately is used very broadly here, since it's been weeks since most of these were taken).

1. The kids love having their cousins over, and we've been seeing more of them than ever.
2. Little creature
3. Zuppa Toscana
4. I'm getting better and better at golubtsi (Ukrainian cabbage rolls). I have come to realize Ukrainian recipes take time and patience to get right, and will most likely not turn out just like your mom makes them on your first try. It doesn't help that my mom does everything by eye, either.
5. Tearing up catalogs together.
6. Hey there! Whatcha doin'?
7&8. Stop/go
9. Mila and Noah with their freshly-made road and stop sign.
10. Busy reading.

xoxo,
Tanya

Nothing better than a hot tub on a windy day

We had the chance to use the hot tub during spring break in daylight hours, and we all loved it! B went off to work, we had breakfast, and jumped in. Usually the only time we manage to use the hot tub is on weekends, and since we usually have other things going on during the day, it's always in the dark.

It's funny, the kids get these zoned-out looks on their faces when they're in there. I noticed that while looking through my pictures...I guess they're just enjoying the warm water. :) And don't worry, I set the thermostat at 98, which is body temperature, so this baby won't cook in my belly. I actually can't sit in really hot water myself and I overheat easily, so there's really no danger of me getting into water that's too hot, ever.

I have really noticed, however, that heat and water really help my pelvis feel better, and the hot tub is so much bigger than a bathtub, so I love to get in when my pelvis is super sore and painful. We just drained all the water out the other day and I'm cleaning the hot tub today and refilling it, so tomorrow we should be good to go for more fun. It couldn't come sooner, because my hips needs a break! This baby is sitting so low this time around, it kind of scares me how low I can feel her movements. I won't go into details, but you can use your imagination...

xoxo,
Tanya

Orla

I've been seeing Orla Kiely everywhere lately, and I love everything I see. If I was a designer, I would be designing clothes like hers (or I'd be buying them if they were in my price range; alas, they are not). Her designs are retro and sweet, with fun repeating prints and pretty collars and mod necklines. Always something unexpected, though all the clothes are sophisticated and grown up, never gratingly obvious. And they are colorful, but in beautiful muted shades, almost like a vintage photograph. That first dress in that beautiful camel color that's covered in ships is amazing, and take a look at those swimsuits! Definitely fun and not too serious.

xoxo,
Tanya