weekend best.

a quiet moment spent with a hot cup of decaf and some inspirational business reading. btw...the coffee press below is the best $20 spent this year. this gem is saving me lot's of $$.

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family time/play time. the bestest.   
 

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 current fave breakfast.
 20110221_9065early morning glow.
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polaroid, naturally. 02211133 month old sweetness.  
20110221_9101smquiet snowfall. 
20110221_91492playing in said quiet snowfall with butters.  
20110221_9128a toy I got for Tyler that turned into a toy for butters.  20110221_9131
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hope you all had the a lovely weekend as well.
xot.

wordless weekend.

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 Christmas2010119There's still time left for the CHA challenges some of us are hosting at Studio Calico. My challenge is to take a photo of yourself in front of a mirror/window..something that gives off a reflection of yourself, preferably something in the past week.
Mine was taken on Saturday morning with my son. Our weekend morning routine has to be one my favorite parts of the day.  

xot.  

 

Oh how I wish I could send every one of you a bottle of my favorite Mister Huery.
Unfortunately there can only be one winner here but that's not to say you can't get your hands on some Huey! New colors should be in the shop soon.

And the winner is.....

LOVE your messy desk as much as I love this layout! Can't wait to try the new Mister Hueys!
Commenter name: Allison Romero
Commenter email: allisonromero24@gmail.com

Winner

Please email me your info at lifelovepaper@gmail.com

Thanks everyone! You all are so awesome. :)

xot
 

I don't know what's worse.
The neighbor who mows his lawn at 11 p.m. or the one who snowblows their driveway at 6 am.
I knew it was snowing but we couldn't have gotten more than an inch.
Why this guy felt the need to snowblow that early is beyond me and extremely inconsiderate.
45 minutes before my alarm goes off, I'm awaken by the sound of a loud motor and the scraping of a shovel.
I ponder going back to sleep or just waking up.
I can't go back to sleep.
I lie there, my mind flooded with so many thoughts.
Thoughts that have been pestering me for the past few weeks.
Thoughts that I care not to discuss here.
Let's just say they involve finances, current career as desk jockey, following a dream and a shopping list.
All I know for sure is that I need to be proactive in every aspect of life right now.
That's truly the only way I'm going to accomplish anything.
Truthfully, I always expected for things to work itself out, for situations to just fall into place.
Is that me being laid back or just pure laziness?
I dunno.
One thing that I do know...the thing that is more solid than anything right now is that I love being a mom to a happy, cute, snuggly baby.
He's my light.
Cheesy, I know but I have no other way to explain it.
I rush home, wash my hands, get out of my work clothes, grab my guy and hug him as tightly as I can.
He hugs back and nestles his head in my nook.
I drink in his sweet baby smell and am overcome with relief and happiness.
He hasn't forgotten me.
That was my fear when I went back to work.
But we've established our bond and it's as tight as my skinny jeans. Even more so.
He's my guy.
He's my heart.

Mommyhood collage 
xot

adventures of a new mom.

010311So. Let's talk schedules. I find this to be as debatable as breast versus bottle feeding. I have several friends who swear by a strict schedule. I know when they're kids naptimes are and when they go to bed at night. I know that these friends/family members will not make plans at naptime and who basically schedule their outings lives around their child's schedule. On the other hand, I know of some who tisk tisk at structured schedule. "My child will work around my own busy schedule" one mom tells me. "A schedule just doesn't work for us." Noted I thought to myself. Putting Tyler on a schedule was something I thought about throughout my pregnancy. I had decided to meet some where in the middle with the sheduling. Both Jeff and I work jobs that have a basic schedule. We're not the most spontaneous couple. You can bet that I'll be at Target Saturday mornings and Jeff at home watching football on Sundays. I decided to try the scheduling thing when Tyler was a few weeks old. I watched the clock constantly. "it hasn't been 2 1/2 hours...why is hungry again?" "he's over due for a nap...why isn't he tired?" "why does he sleep more in the day than at night?!" Watching the clock was not working for us at all. I pretty much gave in to his demands. I felt so much guilt for not doing so. Seriously, he was only born 3 weeks ago! But gradually, without even noticing until the third day of his 4th week he began to fall into a routine. He finally figured out..."hey, it's dark. tv's off. dad's snoring. guess it's time for me to sleep." I had praised the sleeping baby gods. I can't even tell you what 3 consecutive hours of sleep feels like. He wakes, he gets changed, he eats, he's out. This my friends is a great accomplishment. I feel like a true parent. Sounds silly but there were times at 3 am after being awake since midnight that I was doing something wrong. That I was failing miserably as a new mom. Silly me. This brings me to my first resolution. STOP BEING SO HARD ON MYSELF AND OTHERS. I can't compare myself to other moms. When i gave up the stress of what I'm suppose to do and started listening to my own babes needs, things all fell into place.

Next week I will write about my new mom aroma which consists of spit up & urine.Lovely, no?

xot

quiet time.

20101223_8252bl 
20101223_8253blolast year I started the tradition of making PW's cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but they never turn out very pretty hence no photo of the finished product. They were yummy though.  
20101223_8258blogThe boy is down for his afternoon nap & this mom is ready for some quiet time, The house is perfumed with the scent of cinnamon. Laundry is folded.  SC assignments are done. I grab my camera for a few random shots.
20101223_8256blog My mantle is cluttered with holiday cards. I love mail this time of year. 
20101223_8254logOur undecorated tree. We decided to go the natural route this year.Sugar Cookies The view from our bedroom...it's been so COLD these past few weeks.

20101220_8244 my favorite miniature wood santa. 

 xot
 
 
 
 
 
 

a weekend in polaroids.

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Xmas pola093 - Copy 
I was able to get a few hours of mommy time on Saturday. Me, the dog and my Polaroid ventured out into the cold for a diaper run as well as a little Christmas shopping which is just about done. Butters hasn't been out since the babe was born and I could tell he was feeling a little neglected. I knew a long ride and a a quick run in the snow would perk him right up. The cold, crisp air perked me up as well. 

I also snuck in a little photo sesh which didn't pan out so well. It's a bit drafty in our home and I really didn't want him naked. Plus he was a little cranky. Will try again when he's napping.

Thank you so very much for all your congrats and love. Each and every comment does not go unnoticed.

xot

girl becomes a mother.

113004date
What a week.
I was sure I would be able to jump online and let the world know my son was born but there would be none of that. I didn't bring a laptop with me and with the numerous nurses, doctors and visitors entering my room by the hour, I simply did not have time.
But here he is. A few hours old in the photo above, now 10 days old and handsome as a can be.
Things are going well at home. Some days are better than others or I should say some nights. He's a little night owl like his daddy. 

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I feel so blessed. Even in my state of exhaustion....I couldn't be happier.
All doubts or fears I have expressed here in the past about being a mother seemed to disappear the moment Tyler was born. 
I felt confident caring for him. He quickly latched on and took me in with his big eyes.
I am completely consumed by him.
His warmth and total trust in me is almost overwhelming. 

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This motherhood thing.
I'm in it for life and it's all so very good.
xot
 

peace. love. gratitude.

 Pola2075-2                                  (polaroid sx 70, 600 film October 2010) 

well...no baby yet! sorry, I should have posted something. I've been getting numerous "baby yet?" emails. :) I feel all your joys through those written words. I will definitely post something as soon as the day comes.

Thanksgiving is starting out quite lovely. It's quiet in my home and I'm sitting in my favorite chair watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. It's snowing out, the neighborhood is calm and I'm feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.

I have so much to be thankful for this year.
The biggest blessing of our lives, our son who will be here any day.
My blended family that has welcomed another with my brother's late summer wedding.
My friends who have been there for me through chats, emails and texts.
A hobby that has introduced me to so many other new friends.
Finding passion through the lens of a camera.
Our cozy home.
Our dog, Butters.
My best friend, partner in crime and husband Jeff who continues to amaze me with his patience and support.

Through thisyear of blogging you have read me complain about the dreaded Monday, office politics, lack of funds, the weather and everything in between. These are all so insignificant when compared to what life is really about.

Peace, love & gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tina

girl is so in love with friday, she can't stand it.

111910Woohoo! My weekend is going to start in just a few hours and I'm ecstatic.
As you can see, I'm still very much pregnant which is good. My bag is packed & the car seat is firmly in place. Will I be yelling "thundercats a go" this weekend? We'll see.
And I'm comforting myself on this very cold day with the most delicious dumpling soup with a touch of spicy Sriracha sauce.  Warmed me right up. Tyler as well as he's doing a little happy dance right now. 

No plans this weekend other than taking it easy. I really would love to spend Sunday in my pjs but we'll see how that pans out. 
 
onto girl loves.

Cozy romper. Not that I could fit into this cute little number but I've always been infatuated with cute pjs. This is no exception. Reminds me of something I had as a little girl. (found A cup of Jo)

Steven-alan-romper
 I'm not much of a bath person but this makes me want to be one. (found wit + delight)

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Easy tutorials from Pugly Pixel which I will attempt one of these days. Maybe this weekend!  
 

Happy weekend!
xot.

The magic of monday.

There's really no magic. It's just another Monday but I know this week is going to fly because
1. I work behind the scenes in retail and the holidays are pure craziness.
2. I have a lot to accomplish here before maternity leave like putting together my ever growing "how to my job" binder.

I'm proud to say I scratched the majority of my to-do's this weekend. My SIL and I ventured out early Saturday to get some Christmas shopping done. Seems like everyone else in Anchorage had the same idea as this city was bustling with shoppers.
I scrapped but I only have one sneak from Studio Calico's December kit.

Main_peek 

 Dt_dec_sneak
And I started my December Daily entitled December Love with the Busy Sidewalks add on. I'll have a peek of that later this week. I'm promising myself to keep it as simple as possible and if that means just slapping a photo printed from my Iphone and one word, then so be it.  

Let's catch up on some truths, shall we?
I left on Day 10 I think with my own truth of the day. I'll go back to the list for a bit.

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Wish I could say it was my svelte long legs or bubbly personality.
I think it would have to be my ability to give some one my honest opinion and advice. I often get asked if a certain outfit works because I will be quick to say if it does or doesn't. I will tell some one discreetly if their fly is down or if there's a booger lodged in there nose. I would hope and appreciate some one would do the same for me.

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

My stumpy swollen legs and reserved personality.

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

Says to write a letter but I'll pass. I can't think of any one particular band or artist but I do remember listening to a lot of Ingrid Michealson when I was going through my baby making/mid winter depression. But that only aided in my depression rather than helped....hmm..I do like to rock out a bit on bad days. I really like the song Respect by Pantera. Pretty heavy but I love it when I'm in a bad mood.

I'll probably think of someting better once I post this.

Alright, enough for now.
xot.

girl loves friday.

I truly wished yesterday was Friday but alas, another day here at the office.
Plans for the weekend?
Christmas shopping. Yes, I'm starting early because I may not have time after the baby is born.
Scrapping. If you've seen my mojo can you kindly tell him to get back to me? I miss him.
Laundry. The baby clothes & linens just keep on coming.
A little photo editing. Something I've been procrastinating on.
Lunch with a friend. Craving tempura shrimp.
Baking. My parents brought back the freshest vanilla beans from Tahiti and I cannot wait to use them.
Possible pedicure. I've held off because I heard they bring on contractions. My ob laughed when I told her this. She says "get a pedicure".

Onto girl loves.

Our boys name. We finally decided. Tyler Laurence Aszmus. Tyler is a compromise. When I was thinking I was having a girl, I was set on Taylor. When I think of Tyler, I think of a chill, possible snowboarder, creative, open-minded, athlete, cool with the ladies and an all around stand up kind of guy. Laurence is my father in laws name and because this is his first grandchild, I though that would be special to him. And do you know how hard it is to piece together names that go with my last name?

The "Do What You Love" series. (?Pacing the Panic Room)
One of my most favorite blogs and photographers. I really enjoyed reading this series. Hoping one day I'll get there myself. I'm thinking after Mr T is born and the coming of the new year, I will find what it is I truly love. Of course it's photography but that can take me in so many directions and I haven't quite figured out which path to take.

Hand-drawn shower invites. (Paislee Press)
The have to be the most unique and beautifully put together shower invites. I also love the idea of a book shower.

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I love when some one actually takes my advice when I say "life is good, there's no need to be down". I sometimes think some people just need to hear this out loud from a friend, especially when you know they have absolutely nothing to complain about. But there are those who just roll their eyes and poopoo my optimism. Whatevs. I'm glad I could help at least one person out today.

tgif.
xot. 

a different kind of current.

CurrentsI'm worried.
At 35wk 5dys, the boy has pyelectasis. I'm told it's fairly common in boys but I can't help but worry. I suppose this is only the beginning of many many worries for the next 18+ years.

I'm tired.
It still feels like early morning.

I'm excited.
About my baby shower this weekend. I decided to make it more of a party for all my friends and family who've supported me through the years rather than a party that focused on me.  Plus I shy away from the spotlight so this works out better for me. Good food, good people. Hopefully I'll have lot's ot photos to share with you next week.

I'm contemplating.
On next years goals. I never got to do what I wanted to do this year and that was to shoot film, preferably on a medium format camera. Teaching myself something new excites me.

I'm disappointed.
I'm sorry to say that there will not be a Girl Loves Polaroid 2011 calendar. There are certain projects that I have to cut out because I simply cannot manage to do it all. I've decided to focus on my home, my heart, my growing family and my photography business. I do still take requests though so if you would like a print of one of my photographs, don't hesitate to ask.

I'm loving.
My mellow music mix. My boyish gray and blue striped sweater. My spiffy haircut..a whole 3 inches cut off and no one even noticed. And the gentle way my niece hugged and kissed my belly yesterday. That girl makes my heart swell to epic proportions. 
 

xot

random secret revealed.

"I don't mind the weather. I've got scarves and caps and sweaters"
Sometimes all I need is a little Death Cab.

What's happening this fine Tuesday in A-town?
Snow.
And you know what? I'm ok with that.
You'd usually get a drawn out whine from me but the snow is very welcoming.
Down right beautiful I must say.
Why am I so chipper about it?
Well...I've been chipper about a lot this year.
It's pretty obvious why.
The only thing I can complain about is that is slows me down even more.
I've got to watch my step because I've become quite clumsy these days.
I'm a little winded after brushing snow off my car.
And now that I'm driving with a large basketball like belly, I'm a little...a lot more careful.
Where as I use to just rally my little studded civic.
Probably shouldn't admit that here.
Which brings me to my newest blog edition.
Random Tuesday Secret.
Which again is a play on the whole Truths thing. I find it fun and liberating to admit all of these things here.

112_0705_11zpeter_solberg_subaru_impreza_rally_carsliding 
I secretly want to be a rally car driver.
Crazy, no?
Not just a race car driver but one who drives on rough roads, through a wooded course.
I also have expressed to Jeff that I want to race my civic in the Fur Rondy ice race.
Because I actaully like the feeling of drifting my car through an icy turn.
Would you have ever guessed that about me?
I don't think anyone would.
That's my random secret.

Care to admit something you have tucked away in your secrets file today? Come on...doesn't have to be a deep dark secret. Just keep it light. I guarantee, you'll feel quite liberated.

xot

girl

34wj

(check out those fingers! I was not kidding you when I referred to them as sausages) 

It's that time of the week again!
And I am beyond thrilled because I am indulging in a pregnancy massage right after work.
It feels like an indulgence but it's so needed.
I've been too busy to really get in the Halloween mood but after last nights line up on NBC, I'm so ready.
Can't wait to see all the trick or treaters dressed up this year. I'm going to try and squeeze into my Merlotte's tee minus the blond wig and short shorts.

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onto girl loves.

Felt. I use to collect and make things with felt. Seeing these colors makes me want to get back into it. This image is also a jump off point to a layout I'm working on.
(Etsy: Giant Dwarf)

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This print which I stand by.
(Etsy: Kantan Designs)
 
Il_570xN_148006375
 
I just think this is just too sweet.
(Blog: Snippet & Ink, Photographer: W. Scott Chester so in love with his website design)

10-24-wscottchester1
happy weekend to you all.
xot

ps...will pick back up on my truths next week.