listening: to sound of traffic and the hum of my hard drive
eating: (ate) a sausage mcmuffin. not on a healthy run as of late.
drinking: lemon italian soda
wearing: my lazy but suitable office attire. not a fave but it was clean.
feeling: tired.
weather: cool and sunny.
wanting: to go home and change clothes.
needing: at least an extra hour of sleep.
thinking: about my ultrasound tomorrow.
enjoying: no split ends. love my hair after it's been cut.
wondering: if I'll find out blue or pink tomorrow or if I have to wait another 2 weeks to which I will say "ah, phewy"
girl loves friday.
me at 6am in the restroom at work. excuse my bedhead and tired eyes.
friday, friday, friday. finally.
I'm so ready for this long weekend.
I'm looking forward to getting my SC box today or tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to having the kiddos stay over tonight.
I'm looking forward to lasagna bolognese tonight.
I'm looking forward to bbq, fireworks & cherry pie in the valley.
onto girl loves.
I'm currently dress hunting for my brother's upcoming wedding. This doesn't seem to be an easy task when your belly is growing. Thinking I should tap into the whole maternity clothing thing because I have yet to find something dubbed "maternity" that I truly like to wear. I don't want to do the cinched below the boob dress and I refuse to wear the what I like to call the teepee dress, which is so incredibly shapeless. I would love to wear something like this black number from the new Stella McCartney line. (found)
This spider which I would love to put into the nursery. (found) 
This super cute rubber stamp. I do miss wood mounted rubber. (found)
I've been seeing this print all over the web this week and although I love the piece, I'm tucking it away in my "future layout" file. (found)
You all have a safe 4th of July weekend!
t.
currents.
listening: Bjork, The Shins, Violent Femmes.
eating: oatmeal. again.
drinking: black ice tea lemonade.
wearing: black leggings, my fave white tee and purple/lavender cardigan.
feeling: full.
weather: gray, cloudy.
wanting: to head to the yarn shop so I can start my nesting project. (thanks to Jen G's help, I'll be a master at crocheting granny squares)
needing: a new pair of flats. these ones hurt my feet.
thinking: thank god I made it through yesterday.
enjoying: my side braid ponytail. can't believe it's held this long.
wondering: if J fibbed to me when I asked him if this outfit made me look fat.
so the chocolate milk did help as well as getting out of the office for lunch.
it always helps to get some fresh air.
it's always sweet to pull up to a parking meter that still has 52 minutes left on it.
It's always awesome to walk into the kitchen and find pastries from the good bakery.
It's always comforting to know time can only move forward, even if it's slower some days.
ready for an SC stampede?
And my layouts for July:
This last one is my least favorite layout. It feels incomplete and thrown together. I do love the journaling and the photo so I think I'll re-work it later this week.
t.
Girl fights Tuesday.
Holy shmoly, I so do not want to be in this office today.
pure torture.
I'm trying to buck up and deal but I can't seem to focus on anything at the moment.
I'm fighting it so bad.
My day is only a third way over.
I'm literally just pushing paper around.
Am I crazy for blogging this in fear of a coworker or even my boss reading this?
No, not really.
If you worked here, you'd understand.
Off to the kitchen for some chocolate milk.
Hoping this will help.
More later.
girl loves friday.
Such great responses to yesterday's post.
I was surprised to read how many of you kept your hobby a "secret".
I get it though. It's not something that usually comes up in conversation.
It's usually my family or a friend who knows I scrapbook who spill the beans.
I use to just change the subject right away but lately, I've just come clean.
I scrapbook, big deal.
Some perk up and are genuinely interested. Some, not so much.
Here's what makes the "not so much" responses worth accepting
1. When my husband picks up a layout and says, "that's cool, I love that photo" or talks about what I've journaled. He's my biggest cheerleader and is always the first to bring it up to people. He even raids my scraproom to make me Valentines day and Birthday cards for me.
2. When my father ask me to put together a scrapbook of all this treasured photos of his dear friend who passed away tragically a few years back. I was honored to use my love and skills to create a keepsake for him.
3. When my niece was snooping around in my scraproom while I was getting ready to take her out. She runs to my bedroom holding a page I had just finished with her photo and yells, "that's me!". Her excitement was pure joy and it gave me such pleasure, I can't even tell you.
onto girl loves, which is just one today.
Scrapbooking, naturally. Anything to do with pretty paper, colorful paints, & wonky sewing. I love it all.
Some sneaks for Studio Calico's July kit and add ons.
Be sure to check out the reveal Sunday night! Miss Vee is the GDT this month!
Have a happy, fabulous, summery weekend folks. We all deserve it.
T
explain thyself scrapbooker!
So, met up with the ladies last night to help address wedding invites.
All in all a good time laughing, sharing stories and getting to know each other a little better.
And there of course was belly rubbing but it's ok when done by some one you know and like. (this occurrence has been happening quite a bit in the past few weeks. odd that one thinks it's ok to just reach out and rub one's pregnant belly...moving on.)
Then it came up.
Scrapbooking.
This is always a strange subject to touch on for me and I know for others who scrap like me, especially when you're childless.
I explain myself. I try to make it sound "cool" but I'm failing miserably.
I hear the usual..."I just don't have time" and "I'm just not that creative" when we really know it means "I'm just not that into it", no?
Totally cool. I get it. We all have different hobbies and/or activities we partake in.
Different folks, different strokes.
I know that what I do which is basically a form of documenting and archiving will be with me to the very end and even beyond.
Simply put, it makes me happy.
I wonder why I feel the need to defend my hobby as one that is not dated or geeky or be made to feel like I'm not a busy person myself.
But because this is a form of release from the everyday things like office gruel, traffic and life in general, I make time. It's not a lot, trust me.
I appreciate the few hours I get hovered over my paint covered desk, cutting up paper, & positioning photos.
I wish I had more time to do dedicate to my love. 
So, I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Even if you're not a scrapbooker, I know many of you are creative in some form.
Do you feel the need to defend your art? Your hobby?
holy smokes...3 blog days in row.
seems I have a lot on my mind or more time on my hands. or maybe a little of both.
continuing on with "currents" post just because.
listening: The Cure, Talking Heads, The Decemberists
eating: oatmeal but really wanting an over-medium egg with generously buttered toast and a slice of super crispy bacon. oh and a side of home fries.
drinking: hot chocolate & ice water.
wearing: my new Gap Maternityskinny black jeans I scored on Ebay for $10.
feeling: content.
weather: a little humid.
wanting: a free, no make up, in pajamas weekend to myself.
needing: a free, no make up, in pajamas weekend to myself.
thinking: I need a pedicure in a major way.
enjoying: life....hmm..sounds vague. how about a drama free week so far. (knock on wood)
wondering: what will by little peanut look like?
1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/36425193@N00/437643549/">acup of chubby goodness, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/52852286@N00/3438608808/">travelbreakfast, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/33230210@N04/3369593248/">stargazing...>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/23022617@N00/4624432751/">Journal collage</a>
girl pays more attention to salad than hot runner.
Being that it was so beautiful out yesterday and I had an hour to kill before my hair appointment, I decided to grab lunch and head to the park downtown and eat outside. It was a great place to people watch. Lot's of lawyers taking their brisk lunch walk in their white tennis shoes and office wear, tourists fresh off the bus, children playing joyously after being stuck indoors for a week due to the rain. Lot's of runners and mommies with strollers. An ideal setting to sit and enjoy my lunch and get a little sun.
As I drench my fresh asian salad (which I had been looking forward to all morning) with rice wine vinaigrette, I overheard a few women whispering on the park bench next me. I noticed in my peripherals a bare chested, ultra tan runner coming our way.
Pre-pregnancy me: would coyly look up and maybe give a smile.
Pregnant me: too interested in getting the first bite of salad in my mouth to look up and admire.
t.
weekend scrappies.
well...more like Friday night scrappies. I didn't get much else done this weekend since I was hardly at home.
It's nice to have busy weekends and outings but my home is still a wreck since I do all my cleaning on Sundays. Oh well. Can't let life go by just because your house is a mess.
yeah, a blurry mess.
this week's dare is about mail art.
just head over to the Dares blog so you can view Jen's as well.
want to try something new with FabRips?
head over to the Studio Calico blog to see how to bind a mini using them.
another wonky photograph.
something I did for Joy's BOLD challenge, also on the Studio Calico blog.
You can see a close up here.
Saturday: a yummy lunch at SushiYa with my girls. I feel like I'm always saying "we gotta go eat" everytime I'm out. We were headed to my nephew's 10th birthday party at the roller rink and I HAD to eat. No sushi for me though. I opted for the bento box with bulgogi and tempura veggies. It was quite tasty.
I wasn't going to skate at first but after a few laps walking with Reagan while she skated, I had to throw on a pair. I use to skate at this roller rink as a teenager and it brought back some crazy memories. It was really fun although I didn't skate for long. I didn't want to over do it. I pretty much crashed on the couch when I got home.
Sunday: met up with the girls again and ran a few errands before heading to a small carnival in town. Reagan had carnival on the brain so she was quite pleased when the ferris wheel was visible. My brother showed up just in time to meet us right from his fishing trip. I was happy to see him spend the day with his kids on Father's day. I just adore observing him with his daughter.
he's in there somewhere. I swear getting a picture of him is like getting a picture of big foot....rare moments I tell ya.
The little guy was not happy at all so all so I didn't get many photos of him. I think he's still a little too young to handle the excitement of fair rides.
monday isn't going too bad so far. could be because I'm out of here at noon for a long over-due hair cut and some "me time". :)
t
girl caught making out with friday.
Give yourself a big pat on the back for surviving another work week folks.
And for those momma's who have had to entertain their out of school kids all week, kudos to you as well.
It's going to be another busy weekend for me. Looking at my calendar, it looks as though it'll be awhile when I'll have a weekend all to myself but hey, I can't complain. I guess I'm just trying to get in as much "me time" as I can before the mr/mrs is born. Oh which btw....baby shower planning has commenced! I know, seems early and it is but time is flying by I tell ya. I never thought I would be one to be into all this party planning and having me as the center of attention (I get a little awkward when everyone's looking at me) but frankly, I'm damn excited.
This lovely lady is going to design my invites which was the very first thing I was excited about doing with the baby shower. You know, it's paper. Got to love that.
Onto girl loves.
This concept which has been added to my "to do" list. The cover art is also inspiring me to no end.
(Green Wedding Shoes)
So friggin' fraggin' genius. Another thing to add to my crafty "to do's".
(100 Layer Cake)
This haircut. I'm planning on chopping off 2-3 inches of my boring long thin hair but I'm not ready to go short.
(Pretty Mommy)
The prettiest cake. Filed in my baby shower ideas.
(A Little Sussy)
OMG. A must watch for TB fans. Totally made my day.
http://www.hbo.com/bin/hboPlayer.swf?vid=1101662
Happy Friday!
T
currents.
listening: the Smith's: Please Please Please Let Me Go.
eating: oatmeal.
drinking: hot chocolate. dad lectured me on not getting enough calcium, this is the only way
I can stomach dairy.
wearing: my softest thin gray sweater.
feeling: cozy and also have an overwhelming urge to scrapbook.
weather: rain, the smell is beautiful and my grass needs it.
wanting: a day with my aunt & to finish up purging insanely old scrapbook paper. I can't believe how thin
it was back in the day.
needing: a new read.
thinking: so much to do, so little time & what I'm going to eat for lunch.
enjoying: tumblr & this blog.
wondering: why JCrew doesn't have a maternity line.
your turn.
t.
girl loves friday and honesty.
I'm thoroughly enjoying all the honest, "real" reality's in blogland this week.
Feels good right?
I've never been one to overly exert myself for some one to like me. I often times push people away.
I'm comfortable with my surroundings and having a very small group of "real friends". It's limited I tell ya.
But I am so good with that. More taste, less filler if you catch my drift.
My point is, I'm not here to impress anyone or to network and I appreciate blogs who share the same virtues.
I think that's why I fell in love with blog reading in the first place.
Not to say that every post needs to be gut-wrenchingly honest about our personal lives. TMI, no?
Onto girl loves...
I'm really into summer dresses right now. I feel more feminine and beautifully pregnant rather than plump.
I really really want a white eyelet dress like this one.(Satorialist)
uh, and those worn in chucks. heaven.
This colorful project. (Color Me Katie)
This salad. (PW)
I'm having huge craving for fresh, crunchy salads right now. I can't wait to try the dressing for this one. My recipe book is getting quite cluttered with printed out recipes from PW.
That's all for me today.
Enjoy the weekend!
T
documentary winner!
...........Andi M!
Please email me at lifelovepaper@gmail.com
Thanks again for all your lovely summery comments!
Until Friday
Tina
girl loves a good friday.
After a week of sneezing, coughing, sore throat misery, I am finally on the cusp of feeling better.
I don't have much of a voice but hey, my energy and spirit are reemerging.
Just in time for the weekend.
I'm excited about tomorrows photo shoot and the "borrowed" lens that should arrive on my doorstep today.
What do you do when you when you are on a super low budget and trying to start out as a photographer.
You rent expensive glass.
It's funny. After buying my 50 1.4, I thought I was done. But then I wanted a macro. After getting that, I thought I was done. But then I wanted an 80 1.8 and then I would be done.
Nope.
It so doesn't work that way.
By the way, in my opinion, you really don't need both 50 and 80mm lens. I'm not at all happy with my 80mm purchase and will probably throw it up on Ebay or something.
Which lens did I rent?
A 35mm 1.4, 24-70mm and the 45mm tilt shift.
I really really really want all 3 in my permanent kit but it's just not going to happen anytime soon.
If anything, I'll probably get 1 for now. Renting will help me decide which one I need now.
I'm thinking the 24-70 but oh do I love a prime.
I'll let you know my reviews next week after returning them.
Onto girl loves.
My 2 favorite things in the whole wide universe.
Polaroid & scarves. Whaaat?! (found: Oh Joy)
I'm alway intrigued with a photographers creative process.
I love Sharon Montrose's video interview. I watched it twice. 
cool quilt. (found Hi + Low)
Carrot Cake. (found Pioneer Woman)
Cream cheese frosting and lot's of it.
The sparkle in her beautiful dark eyes.
This little one is my niece in law. Is that right? Niece in law?
Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter.
Tina
Polaroid Tuesday
Days like this give me the utmost hope for a beautiful summer garden.
Winter tires came off over the weekend.
Patagonia down parka has been traded for my J Crew cargo jacket.
Uggs have been tucked away.
Flats are making an appearance.
Seeds and bulbs have been planted and tucked away in the small greenhouse my husband bought me for my birthday.
Fiercely embracing spring.
xo
T
girl loves friday!
Especially the friday that kicks off my birthday weekend! Hola!
Not to mention I will be taking Monday off as well.
I will not be kicking and screaming when midnight of the 28th hits and I officially become 32.
I'm actually welcoming it. Not that I don't miss some aspects of being in my 20's.
I just find I can handle certain things a whole lot better now.
Things roll off my back a easier.
I'm more confident in the decisions I make.
I'm accepting of who I am, what I look like (thighs and all) and more importantly, accepting of those around me.
I love and appreciate life and loved ones so much more.
I don't really have a long list of things I want to accomplish in my 32 year.
My list is simple and is constant.
Learn new things. Better my photography business. Streamline my mornings.
Become a quality person, inspired by this blog post. This quote will be stuck with me throughout the year.
"Life is to be lived well in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. There should be no waiting period."
That said, onto to girl loves
+++lost camera. (this guy cracks me up)
because I did think I knew it all in my 20's. (via Design is Mine)
LOVING off the shoulder sweatshirts and tess. (via Garance)
Carved crayons. (found here.)
How to Make it in America. love the cast. love the show.
April's Studio Calico kit! Going live midnight of the 27th!
Iphone sunflare.
Happy Friday!
T
girl's risotto recipe
The only thing I actually measure is the Arborio rice. Everything else is sort of thrown in.
Pour a box of good chicken stock in a sauce pan and keep it to a simmer.
Finely chopping 1 large shallot. (you can also use an onion but I didn't have one)
Saute in a generous pat of butter and a little olive oil for about a minute.
Add 1 cup arborio rice. (I actually add a tiny bit more)
Saute for a couple of minutes on medium heat.
Add a few glugs of white wine. Maybe about 1/4 cup. Stir until the rice has absorbed the wine. (you can omit this but I always keep a bottle in my fridge for recipes that call for wine)
Add a pinch of salt, pepper and dried thyme.
Add 2 ladles of the simmering chicken stock to the rice.
Stir, stir, stir.
This is something you can't just walk away from. It needs your undivided attention.
Add another 2 ladles of stock when the rice has absorbed the previous 2 ladles.
Continue on stirring and adding until your stock is gone.
Your rice should be thick and creamy and slightly al dente.
Add a handful of frozen peas and some asparagus (which I blanched quickly beforehand), a generous handful of parmesan cheese and some more black pepper.
Scoop yourself a bowl, sit back, relax and enjoy.
***I don't always make big dinners every night. Sometimes it's just a bowl of cereal for what I like to call "survive on your own" night. I like making this dish on Sunday afternoons when I've finished cleaning the house and all my other "to dos". Turn on a movie or a show I've dvr'd and have a little me time. My husband actually likes this as well but it's more of an appetizer than a meal for him. :)
Happy Thursday!
kp sketch winner!
Comment:
This class sounds fun! Best wishes for you and your husband tomorrow... lots of luck to you!! P.S. Your niece is a cutie pie. =)
Commenter name: Susan C.
I also put up a quick tutorial on how I create petals out of punched circles. Check out the Studio Calico blog to see how I create them.
Happy Sunday!
girl loves friday.
oy.
what a week.
things can only go up from here.
onto to girl loves.
I know we're all over Edwards glittery body but I'm still excited about the dvd release of New Moon.
I'm seeing Saturday night on the couch with my sweetie, handful of popcorn, phone turned off watching what will hopefully be a better version of the book.
The relaxing scent of this oil perfuming our bedroom surely brings sweet dreams and washes away any negative thoughts from the day. 
This photo and the feeling it brings me. (found on Tumblr)
The creativity put into this couple's save the dates blows me away. (via Green Wedding Shoes)
A future "to do". Creating my own font.
Layers, cool accessories, messy hair. Even though tomorrow is officially the first day of spring, it's still layering season in these parts. (via The Satorialist)
Anthropologie + wedding? woah. It might be time to renew our vows.
girl out yo.
happy weekend.
Have fun with all the new sketches!
There's still time to register for the class. Featuring new sketches that are sure to jump start your spring scrapbooks. Registration ends March 26th, Class starts March 29th.