A Girl Named PJ

The Dolly Half-Dozen

May 16, 2013

Today I’m debuting a new series, “The Dolly Half-Dozen.” Essentially, it’s a way for me to round up some of my favorite links and showcase them in a more interesting way than just tacking them onto the end of my Friday post. (Especially now that those posts are changing. Are you liking the idea of Friday Rewind?)

Admittedly, this series is still a work in progress. See, I was originally thinking I’d call it “The Dolly Dozen” and would share 12 links. Moving forward, I may go back to that idea, but I didn’t want to sit on these links while I deliberated between a dozen and a half-dozen.

Anyway.

Heather’s strawberry popsicles have a secret ingredient.

The six major anxieties of social media, including Instagram FOMO and “Pinspirational” inferiority complexes.

They say this scientific 7-minute workout is brutal but effective. (Would you try it?)

Social media has its problems, but it can also help you feel less lonely. (via @alliepal)

I’m suddenly inspired to wear bold blue eyeliner.

When a doughnut and a croissant have a baby, the offspring is called a cronut. (Only in New York!)

Bonus link! Multitasking and creativity

(Psst… What do you think? Six or 12 links next time?)

Basement makeover part 2: Choosing paint

May 15, 2013

Working with my friend Jessica McKay of Birdhouse Interiors, I’m updating our man cave of a basement into a modern family-friendly playroom. We’re chronicling the process here and on Jessica’s blog, COOP, and I hope you’ll follow along!

The Backstory

In part one of the basement makeover, I shared my, ahem, distaste for the wall colors chosen by the previous owners: maroon and taupe. In addition to just being ugly colors, they made the room feel dark and heavy. Although the room is a walk-out with a door, full-size window, and two small rectangular windows, it’s still a basement. A dark(ish) basement.

Still, I didn’t want to paint. I thought the job would be too much work for JB and I to do alone (all that woodwork!) and too expensive to hire a painter. Plus, I have a history of being unable to choose paint colors in a timely fashion and didn’t want to have to deal with making a decision.

The Inspiration

Jessica took one look at the basement and quickly nixed my idea to simply cover up the maroon walls with colorful artwork. She reiterated what I’ve read in countless decor magazines: the fastest way to change the look of a room is to paint. Even if we did nothing else to the space, mixing up the wall color would make a huge difference.

After talking about my vision for the basement — a living space that’s both kid-friendly and grown-up — Jessica walked around my house to get a sense of my aesthetic. Stopping in front of a large MTA poster by Julia Rothman that hangs in our dining room, she asked how I’d feel about using the illustration as our color inspiration. Specifically, how did I feel about teal?

Who was I to argue with the professional? Although the idea of brightly colored walls was slightly out of my comfort zone (no other room in my house features a color as vibrant as teal), I could see how teal would open up the space and give the basement a modern, playful feeling.

Plus, if the color choice was left up to me, we’d still be waiting for my (lack of) decision.… READ MORE!

Deployment books for kids

May 14, 2013

image source

Browsing through Half Price Books recently, I came across the book Home Again in the children’s section. The cover art alone — an illustration of a daddy in fatigues holding his baby — made me feel weepy, so I quickly jammed the book back on the shelf. While my husband’s safe at home, I don’t want to think about him being separated from our son.

However, with the possibility of a deployment looming, perhaps reading books about mommies and daddies in the military is the best way to prepare our almost two year old for when the time comes. Although he’s likely too young to fully understand our military life, reading stories about deployments with him now probably wouldn’t hurt…

To check out my round-up of deployment books for kids, click over to Lifetime Moms!

This is 22 Months Old

May 13, 2013

Yesterday was a special day for both me and Levi: Mother’s Day and his 22-month birthday! As planned, we met with friends for a delicious brunch and then relaxed at home before taking a field trip to Lauritzen Gardens to view an amazing Lego exhibit. (I’ll share photos on the blog later this week.)

The day ended with Facetime and phone calls with family and watching Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood while cuddling on our bed. Levi started acting out of sorts after bath time — whiney and clingy — so I let him stay up past his bedtime for extra snuggles. JB and I figured he was either teething or had a tummy ache from eating too much at dinner.

My poor baby.

At 22 months old, Levi…

…requests either oatmeal or mac and cheese for breakfast every morning

…always wants to be held while we’re cooking in the kitchen, asking, “Pee up! Pee up!”

…can count to nine (JB and I were totally shocked. Now I know how Emily felt when Ramona did it.)

…scoops and dumps

…wants to walk up and down the stairs instead of crawling

…thinks ~~walking~~ being pulled by the dog to the mailbox is hysterical

…instructs us to sit down on the couch while he plays in the living room

…also tells us where and when to sit at the dining room table

…likes to drag his toy boxes to the front hall mat and arrange his toys on the stairs

…dances to the music from his LeapFrog Leaptop — he loves to bounce and spin