Turkey

Yesterday, Josh and I had an amazing lunch date (Grandparents visiting took care of the kids) just the two of us and we had so much fun.  Laughing, strolling, shopping, eating, drinking.....it has me so psyched to have my hubby all to myself for our 4oth birthdays trip.

We have started to research where we plan to spend our 40th birthdays sans kids.  It has been 4 years since we have been on vacation together without the kiddies.  Our trip 4 years ago was in New York City for 3 nights.  It was sooo fun!!  This time, we are dreaming of Turkey.  A place we have never been, thats warm, with ruins/museums, on the Mediterranean, just us.  A few pictures of Cappadocia, Turkey are below.  Hope to buy our airline tickets soon!!!

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A Name

While at my Ob/Gyn appointment last week, I noticed my file was red-stamped with "Same Name-Verify Patient", so apparently there is another Caroline Richards in Portland.  I found myself wondering who is this person, what does she look like, what does she do, is she a mom, married, what are her interests.
My friend, Joe Mooney, also realized that he shares the name with another local Joe Mooney.  He has spoken to him over the phone once and the guy said he wished he was him because he gets alot of phone calls, and wished he had as many friends.  Both Joe's have wives named Aimee too!
There are some who believe that your name determines your destiny.  The idea that our names are intertwined with our destinies goes at least as far back as the book of Genesis in the Bible, when Abram saw his name changed to Abraham, which means  "father of multitudes" in Hebrew.
In more recent years, social psychology research has connected people's names to decisions they make in whom to marry, what street to live on and what they do for a living — all based on how similar the names were to a person’s own name.  My Uncle's middle name is Hartsfield, and he is a heart surgeon.  I wonder if the other Caroline Richards has made similiar choices in her life as I have.  I wonder what outcome my children's lives will have based on the names Josh and I selected for them.  What will "Richards" be to them?
Wow--heady, philosophical stuff!!
A name is an interesting thing to contemplate.

The Real Me?

I am a big fan of Erin Gates Blog, Elements of Style, and I try to read it whenever I get a chance.  She is talented, artsy, funny and has great taste.  Today she blogged about Whole Foods as her "happy place" when down about life.  Her recent trip left her feeling worse however, as she saw many non-working, fit, beautiful people strolling the aisles at ease without a care in the world.  Erin found herself buying things she normally wouldn't.....to try to be like them (sulfate-free body products/Vitamins/Juicing Supplies, etc.).  The below is a quote from her blog which we can all easily relate to regarding who we are.....Thanks Erin for making it all so real!!

.....stop trying to be someone else. Stop comparing.

I am many people- a prep, artist, nerd, cheerleader, hippie and athlete. While trying to define myself as one of those seems neater and cleaner, it’s not really possible, and frankly, would probably be boring.  I don’t have room for a garden. I like refined sugar. I wear leopard high heels and swear. Sometimes I forget to recycle. Forcing myself to fit into the mold of what I deem to be the “stress-free hippie lifestyle” would be unnatural for me. But sometimes it’s frustrating, it feels like I’m not sure who “I” am or that who I am is not good enough. I venture into a place like Whole Foods and feel like I could pick one of those qualities and run with it. But it never sticks. What does stick are my quirks, my hypocritical tendencies, my wackiness and my honesty. And perhaps that’s better than any 20-day super cleanse could ever make me.

Chewing Necklace

I was shopping for a baby gift and came across a smart, unique baby gift.  The company is called Chewbeads (www.chewbeads.com).
Chewbeads are mom-necklaces and bracelets made of 100% silicone that babies can chew.  Mothers everywhere can relate to babies putting all their jewelry in their mouths, so why not promote it and wear it well.  Its totally safe, soft on baby gums and emerging teeth, easy to clean, even dishwasher safe.  It comes in great vibrant colors too and really makes a statement.  Some pictures are below.
I bought a bengal bracelet for my friend ($15).....what a unique, cross-functional gift.

Dream Home

I play to win....yep!  I am entering the 2012 HGTV Dream Home give-away in Park City Utah.  The description reads
"HGTV is giving one lucky viewer the chance to win a modern western ranch in picturesque Park City, Utah. This location is four seasons of total adventure - think fishing camp meets ski retreat with tons of 5-star luxury. The winner of the 16th HGTV Dream Home 2012 grand prize package will also win a 2012 GMC Terrain, five hundred thousand dollars in cash AND every single item in the house. All it takes is one step inside and you'll be ready to move right in!"
I think the house is pretty nice.  The furnishings are a little too match-matchy blue in the family room but I wouldn't complain.  I also wish the house had 4 bedrooms...I mean, where will our house guests stay, a tent?  We need AT LEAST 5 bedrooms, maybe we add on with our $500K in cash.
The views look unbelievable and its not too far from Portland by plan.
So, don't even think about entering.......I got this one!

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Landscape elements were chosen to accentuate architectural features and meld with the surrounding meadow grasses. The low-maintenance plan incorporates hardy, drought-tolerant species.

Fleece Poncho

I have been wanting to make my 2 year old a fleece poncho for some time.  I have coveted the $65 ones hanging in the window at Polliwog so I borrowed a pattern from a friend and made one as a Christmas gift.  It cost me $30 total for fleece, thread and ribbon and it turned out soooo cute.  Pictures following.....This is one item I am so proud of!!!

Sylvia poncho