Linda Solovic
Fall Down Tree
Le Papier Designs
Art and Philanthropy
Penny People
Persimmon and Pink
Winborg Design
Modern Pop Designs
Friday, February 27, 2009
Etsy favorites: Nursery art edition
What did I do before Etsy existed? I love browsing for ideas and inspiration and I love buying affordable (for the most part), unique, handmade items from small business sellers. I'm having a blast dreaming about decorating the nursery. I'm loving the idea of investing in pieces that can grow with the Cub or become a permanent part of the nursery and adapt for each baby. Here are some of the little beauties I've found recently.
Linda Solovic
Fall Down Tree
Le Papier Designs
Art and Philanthropy
Penny People
Persimmon and Pink
Winborg Design
Modern Pop Designs
Linda Solovic
Fall Down Tree
Le Papier Designs
Art and Philanthropy
Penny People
Persimmon and Pink
Winborg Design
Modern Pop Designs
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Giveaway!
I am getting my life organized before this bambino comes along and so I want to send all my handmade gifties soon! These are the lovely ladies who commented first!
Cara
Jane
Lindsey
Courtney
S
Cat (I don't need your address, I'll see you soon!)
If you haven't already, please email your mailing address to getupandplayblog@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Living Planet Aquarium
We had a fun time at the Living Planet Aquarium with Steve, Kerry, Sam, Lily, Marty and Peggy. We saw a live animal show (super cheesy, but the animals were cool) with tropical birds, snakes, a tarantula and a scorpion! I pet a manta ray, we saw the coolest jelly fish and all manner of ocean animals. I don't remember actually having ever been to an aquarium before and I really enjoyed it.
Friday, February 20, 2009
We're totally BFFs now
C Jane wrote a great account of her "Blogger's Day Out" on Capitol hill. She even calls me "beautiful Barbara" and gives the Cub internet belly rubs. Check it out.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
C Barb Geek Out
Guess who I met today? The one and only Courtney, of C Jane Enjoy It. She and her sister, Lucy, joined their dad, aka Representative Stephen Clark, at the House of Representatives today. He said the prayer. They said the Pledge. (Yes, we say the Pledge of Allegiance every day up here. It's kind of like Kindergarten. But of all the possible places to regularly say the Pledge, the State Capitol makes the most sense, wouldn't you say?) Anyway, I got to meet the Councilwoman and The Chief, too, both regulars on C Jane. The Chief sure is a cutie- he clapped along with the applause on the House floor and waved hello to me and the Tribune photographer next to me (who took this picture, thanks, Scott!) I tried to play it cool, but I revealed myself as an utter fan. Courtney was beyond gracious and lovely and supremely down to earth, just as she seems on her blog.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tag with a Twist
I saw this idea on Holly (and Paul and Leo)'s blog and I thought it was such a fun idea! I don't know if I'm one of the first commenters over there, but I thought I'd do it anyway.
Here's the deal: the first five people to respond to this post will get something handmade by yours truly. And I reserve the right to choose what it is when I see who comments! The only catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same giveaway to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. (And it'd be fun if you posted a picture of what you got, too!)
Here's some examples of things I have made this year that could be yours!
Photos:
Tutus:
Cupcakes:
Comment away!!
Here's the deal: the first five people to respond to this post will get something handmade by yours truly. And I reserve the right to choose what it is when I see who comments! The only catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same giveaway to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. (And it'd be fun if you posted a picture of what you got, too!)
Here's some examples of things I have made this year that could be yours!
Photos:
Tutus:
Cupcakes:
Comment away!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Can we just strap some roller skates on the car seat?
Hello, friends. I am calling on your collective wisdom and experience to help me decide on a very important decision: which stroller should we buy? I know the world will not end if we don't choose the right one, but between my nesting instinct and my pregnancy hormones, it seriously feels like it will. I think we have narrowed it down to three options. Let it be known that John has his mind made up on which one he likes, but I am still undecided. And since I am the one who will most likely be using the stroller most often, I really have to make a decision that I feel good about. (And I have to make it soon, this is the group gift that we are receiving at one of our showers on the 28th).
First option: The B.O.B. jogger stroller.
Pros: It can be converted to a bike trailer, it can convert to accommodate a car seat, it's sturdy, the wheels pivot, it has shocks and real tires, and it looks cool.
Cons: We'd have to buy a separate car seat plus the adapter pieces, the tires can go flat, not a lot of storage space.
Second option: Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe
Pros: *Affordable-includes car seat in price, can close with one hand, lightweight, wheels won't ever get flat, has independent brakes, lots of storage, it's John's favorite.
Cons: I don't like the look of it, it seems big to me, hard to open with one hand, may eventually need/want a jogger in addition.
Third option: Chicco Cortina Travel System Explorer
Pros: Can buy it as a complete travel system, compact, cleaner lines than the Graco, can close with one hand.
Cons: As far as I can tell, the weight limit is lower than the others, may eventually need a jogger.
I'd be very interested to hear your experience with any of the above strollers, what you love/hate about your stroller, what you wish you had known, etc. in the comments. Or to be more straightforward, I've also added a quiz so you can vote for the one you like the best! Don't be biased by the fabric/color choices because there are more options than the ones pictured.
*We are lucky enough to be receiving our stroller as a group gift from one of our showers, so price difference between these three is not much of a hindrance.
First option: The B.O.B. jogger stroller.
Pros: It can be converted to a bike trailer, it can convert to accommodate a car seat, it's sturdy, the wheels pivot, it has shocks and real tires, and it looks cool.
Cons: We'd have to buy a separate car seat plus the adapter pieces, the tires can go flat, not a lot of storage space.
Second option: Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe
Pros: *Affordable-includes car seat in price, can close with one hand, lightweight, wheels won't ever get flat, has independent brakes, lots of storage, it's John's favorite.
Cons: I don't like the look of it, it seems big to me, hard to open with one hand, may eventually need/want a jogger in addition.
Third option: Chicco Cortina Travel System Explorer
Pros: Can buy it as a complete travel system, compact, cleaner lines than the Graco, can close with one hand.
Cons: As far as I can tell, the weight limit is lower than the others, may eventually need a jogger.
I'd be very interested to hear your experience with any of the above strollers, what you love/hate about your stroller, what you wish you had known, etc. in the comments. Or to be more straightforward, I've also added a quiz so you can vote for the one you like the best! Don't be biased by the fabric/color choices because there are more options than the ones pictured.
*We are lucky enough to be receiving our stroller as a group gift from one of our showers, so price difference between these three is not much of a hindrance.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
It's a small world and isn't it great?
I had a great conversation today with Representative Stephen Clark, who is one of the legislators I work for. He also happens to be the father of two famous bloggers, NieNie and C Jane. I asked how Stephanie's recovery is going and he admitted it was difficult, but his attitude was positive and gracious. He expressed how wonderful the outpouring of support has been from their loved ones and from the blogging community. It really has been amazing and I am so inspired by this community. With all of the horrible things the internet can be used for, the love and monetary donations that have poured in for the Nielsens really serve as a great reminder of the great tool for goodness it can be, too. I'm glad I had the chance to share that moment with Representative Clark!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Utes are #1 in our book
Yesterday, the U of U football team was honored by the House and Senate. You can read about it in the Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune. The legislators wore their Utah gear, posed for pictures and most importantly, passed a resolution urging President Obama to encourage an overhaul of the current playoff system. Even the Speaker of the House, a former BYU football player, wore a Utah shirt to honor the undefeated team.
Representative Hendrickson
The Utah players in the House chamber
The team being honored in the Senate
Speaker Clark
Representative Hendrickson
The Utah players in the House chamber
The team being honored in the Senate
Speaker Clark
Not your average intern
Read about the "world's oldest intern" in today's Daily Herald. Roland Wright is a retired schoolteacher interning at the Capitol this year strictly on a volunteer basis just for the love of the process.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Recycling Tips
The Deseret News had a few great articles yesterday about recycling in Utah.
According to the newspaper, "Nationwide, in 2007, the United States recycled 24.8 percent of the 254 million tons of trash we threw away. In Utah, we recycled just 2.7 percent of our 2.4 million tons of trash."
But in a poll conducted by the paper, 66 percent of Utahns want more access to recycling!
I found the list of helpful hints for recycling in Utah particularly interesting- I noticed a few things from that list that I am doing improperly. I hate to think that any of my recyclables are going to the landfill because I am ignorant!!(Note: You may want to check your local area's regulations for recycling.)
-Don't bag recycling in trash bags. Sorters assume bags are full of misplaced trash and throw them out.
-Clean pizza boxes can be recycled if the top and bottom are torn apart. Otherwise they will be thrown out. All other cardboard should also be cut or flattened.
-Stickers on recyclable items such as milk jugs can be recycled with the plastic.
-It's best to take the lids off soda bottles because lids and bottles can be made of different kinds of plastic.
-It takes about six weeks for recycled aluminum cans to make it back to the shelves. The average can is made of about 40 percent recycled material.
-Recycle plastic grocery bags by filling one bag with all the others and tying the handles of the outer bag together. Sending the bags one-at-a-time disrupts the recycling machines. Better yet, try reusable grocery bags.
-When trying to buy recycled products, look for brown and gray cardboard rather than white cardboard.
-All paper with ink, crayon or pencil is not considered contaminated and can be processed for recycling. However, any napkins, tissues or paper and cardboard with food on it can't be recycled.
-The only junk mail that cannot be recycled are the false plastic credit cards. Everything else, including envelopes with windows, are acceptable.
-Wire coat hangers can be recycled if they are bundled together.
According to the newspaper, "Nationwide, in 2007, the United States recycled 24.8 percent of the 254 million tons of trash we threw away. In Utah, we recycled just 2.7 percent of our 2.4 million tons of trash."
But in a poll conducted by the paper, 66 percent of Utahns want more access to recycling!
I found the list of helpful hints for recycling in Utah particularly interesting- I noticed a few things from that list that I am doing improperly. I hate to think that any of my recyclables are going to the landfill because I am ignorant!!(Note: You may want to check your local area's regulations for recycling.)
-Don't bag recycling in trash bags. Sorters assume bags are full of misplaced trash and throw them out.
-Clean pizza boxes can be recycled if the top and bottom are torn apart. Otherwise they will be thrown out. All other cardboard should also be cut or flattened.
-Stickers on recyclable items such as milk jugs can be recycled with the plastic.
-It's best to take the lids off soda bottles because lids and bottles can be made of different kinds of plastic.
-It takes about six weeks for recycled aluminum cans to make it back to the shelves. The average can is made of about 40 percent recycled material.
-Recycle plastic grocery bags by filling one bag with all the others and tying the handles of the outer bag together. Sending the bags one-at-a-time disrupts the recycling machines. Better yet, try reusable grocery bags.
-When trying to buy recycled products, look for brown and gray cardboard rather than white cardboard.
-All paper with ink, crayon or pencil is not considered contaminated and can be processed for recycling. However, any napkins, tissues or paper and cardboard with food on it can't be recycled.
-The only junk mail that cannot be recycled are the false plastic credit cards. Everything else, including envelopes with windows, are acceptable.
-Wire coat hangers can be recycled if they are bundled together.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
My great family
Lily and Sam (and Steve and Kerry) came over for dinner on Sunday. Lily was decked out in her Tinkerbell pj's, but Sam was wearing a little suit! He looked so sharp and so grown up. Kerry told me that he requested a church outfit with a jacket like the grown up men wear, so she obliged and bought him his dapper new duds. Sam's main interest was playing the Wii and he patiently taught his mom the ins and outs of Lego Star Wars (he's much better than many of the adults present were.)
He also found his Iron Man shades (which looked very Tony Stark-ish with his suit) which he further accessorized with his "Mace Windu" lightsaber.
Lily was content to eat some cereal and read a book. She is talking so much more these days- more vocabulary and better diction. She is growing up so fast! She kept bringing me toys and telling me all about them. She found a Raggedy Andy doll and brought it to me to ask what it was. I told her it was Raggedy Andy. She said, "Oh, I'll go get Raggedy Nate." (Nate and Andy are brothers who are Sam's friends- they are practically one word: AndyandNate).
Both kiddos were very sweet that night, especially to Aunt Barbara (my mom's twin sister). She was in the other room because she didn't feel well and hadn't been with the group much. Both kids separately sought her out on their own to give her hugs and talk to her and just spread their little joyful natures.
I have such a great family.
He also found his Iron Man shades (which looked very Tony Stark-ish with his suit) which he further accessorized with his "Mace Windu" lightsaber.
Lily was content to eat some cereal and read a book. She is talking so much more these days- more vocabulary and better diction. She is growing up so fast! She kept bringing me toys and telling me all about them. She found a Raggedy Andy doll and brought it to me to ask what it was. I told her it was Raggedy Andy. She said, "Oh, I'll go get Raggedy Nate." (Nate and Andy are brothers who are Sam's friends- they are practically one word: AndyandNate).
Both kiddos were very sweet that night, especially to Aunt Barbara (my mom's twin sister). She was in the other room because she didn't feel well and hadn't been with the group much. Both kids separately sought her out on their own to give her hugs and talk to her and just spread their little joyful natures.
I have such a great family.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Shared Canopy Garden Tours
Shared Canopy is a company that my talented mother-in-law, Sue, is a part of that specializes in teaching garden design and has now expanded to include tours of famous gardens all across the world. She has been planning a garden tour to Philadelphia and the Brandywine Valley for months and now it's time to register for it! Check out their website (designed by JohnnyT with a bit of help from yours truly).
As part of the tour, they will be visiting Longwood Gardens, which I have had the pleasure of visiting twice. Check out the beautiful scenery to be found (pictures taken by me and Richard on our last trip there).
And check out Shared Canopy- there are still spots open for the tour (April 27-May 2).
Mercury
Since becoming pregnant, I have begun to pay much closer attention to what I eat and drink, which household cleaners and beauty products I use, and the air I breathe. I've been doing a ton of research on vaccinations and what they actually contain and I was relieved to learn that most vaccines are now mercury-free (now, aluminum is another story). I am trying to learn all I can to be healthier for myself and to protect the Cub. Imagine my horror when I read this article, Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury, in the Washington Post (via Ask Moxie). I knew HFCS was unhealthy and I have been trying to avoid it, but to find out that many FOOD products are potentially contaminated with toxic mercury? I am furious and I am going to make my voice heard! (In the interest of fairness, you can read what the Corn Refiners Association has to say. )
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Baby Shower
I am blogging my life out of order, but oh well, right?
Over the Christmas break, a few of my dear friends were in town for the holiday. My buddies took advantage of this fact to throw me a baby shower (my first one!) Lots of pals came to share their advice, catch up, and visit and they even brought the baby gifts, too! :) There were many others who couldn't attend who sent their love and gifts, too- thank you to everyone! I felt very loved!
Susie hosted at her house and her little girl, Evelyn, was very helpful in opening the presents and trying everything on! Here she is modeling a hoodie towel that Kristy made!
Some cute Wellies that Amy brought all the way from England! (Check out Evelyn- she really wanted those!)
A beautiful receiving blanket (my first one!) from Heidi. It's made of sweater material and I seriously wish it came adult-sized!
Thanks to Andrea and Susie for hosting and to many others for helping with food and being there! (L-R) Madelyn, Heidi, Andrea, me, Anne, Kate, Chelsea and Susie. Not pictured: Melanie, Lindsey, Kristy and Cat.
Gotta love the obligatory fake-laughing picture! (Thanks to Catherine for taking all the pictures! It was so special to have her there- she left for the UAE within days of the shower!)
Over the Christmas break, a few of my dear friends were in town for the holiday. My buddies took advantage of this fact to throw me a baby shower (my first one!) Lots of pals came to share their advice, catch up, and visit and they even brought the baby gifts, too! :) There were many others who couldn't attend who sent their love and gifts, too- thank you to everyone! I felt very loved!
Susie hosted at her house and her little girl, Evelyn, was very helpful in opening the presents and trying everything on! Here she is modeling a hoodie towel that Kristy made!
Some cute Wellies that Amy brought all the way from England! (Check out Evelyn- she really wanted those!)
A beautiful receiving blanket (my first one!) from Heidi. It's made of sweater material and I seriously wish it came adult-sized!
Thanks to Andrea and Susie for hosting and to many others for helping with food and being there! (L-R) Madelyn, Heidi, Andrea, me, Anne, Kate, Chelsea and Susie. Not pictured: Melanie, Lindsey, Kristy and Cat.
Gotta love the obligatory fake-laughing picture! (Thanks to Catherine for taking all the pictures! It was so special to have her there- she left for the UAE within days of the shower!)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
New, er, well, old... job
My life as a SAHP didn't last very long. Soon after I wrote that post, I was contacted by my former employer at the Utah House of Representatives to ask me to return to my old job. I worked last year for Speaker Curtis and the House Republicans handling media relations. It's a seasonal position- they only have a need for a full-time press person while the Legislature is in session.
This year, there's a new Speaker of the House, Speaker Dave Clark (check out his blog), and a very different feeling on the hill. Our state is facing huge economic hardships that force the hand of our elected officials. The Utah state constitution requires that the budget is balanced every year. That means if the revenue the state brings in goes down then budget cuts must be made. It will be interesting to see how the legislators tackle this challenge.
Me with Representative Clark (now Speaker of the House) on the last day of session 2008
It's very fun to be working in this job that I enjoy so much and with many of the same people. The last day of session is March 12th and Baby Cub is due March 27th- hopefully, he won't cut it too close!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Three years!
John and I are just now beginning to tip the scales- from now on, we will have been married for longer than we dated! It's so funny to think back on all of our adventures together- it is pretty rare when we think of a story from our past that happened before we met. We have been together for over six years and things just keep getting better! I'm glad we waited as long as we did to have a baby because we learned so much from each other. I am really looking forward to the next chapter of our lives and to watching John become a dad. Happy Anniversary, babe!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day to Remember
I've just been enjoying this day- soaking in the moments that I know will become fond memories.
Click here for the text of President Obama's inaugural address.
photo source
Click here for the text of President Obama's inaugural address.
photo source
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Feathering the nest
Some things about pregnancy almost seem cliche. I have learned now from my own experience that the only reason these have become cliches is because they are common and real! Things like pregnancy brain for one. And the nesting instinct. I feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin about certain things and I attribute this manic obsession to the very normal nesting instinct. Right now, I'm only fixating on baby-related things. Which is unfortunate, because the things I need to do (dishes, laundry, packing up Christmas decorations) are being ignored because I want to fold and refold baby clothes.
One of the things I have been fixating on is packing my bag to take to the hospital. I'm not due for another 10 weeks, but again, the instinct is winning over practicality. (Plus, I had three friends who had preemies last year, so I am not taking anything for granted!)
So let me ask you- friends from the interwebs and life, what are some of the things you wished you had taken to the hospital? What did you end up bringing that you didn't need?
One of the things I have been fixating on is packing my bag to take to the hospital. I'm not due for another 10 weeks, but again, the instinct is winning over practicality. (Plus, I had three friends who had preemies last year, so I am not taking anything for granted!)
So let me ask you- friends from the interwebs and life, what are some of the things you wished you had taken to the hospital? What did you end up bringing that you didn't need?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Project 365
I have joined with lots of other bloggers, photographers, and scrapbookers in Project 365- taking at least one picture every day for a year. I started a new blog (365barb) to help me organize these photos and what is going on in them. It's a little glimpse of my everyday life and the mini-stories that happen every day. I'm really enjoying it so far. Go check it out! Don't miss the post about my darling nephew Sam and the gift basket he created for his new cousin.
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