Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Nesting around the house (and finally having the energy for it)




For the last 3 months I've been exhausted & sick. Alternating between the two. As of just a few days ago, I finally have some energy back, and took the time to do a few things around the house.
I spent the weekend busy bee'ing in my studio, finally getting a few things organized and ready to go. I spent the first half of the weekend cleaning the entire house, and the 2nd half was spent in my little nook, making a new nest for myself. All enjoyed with the windows open, appreciating our cool Fall breezes.



This is our new couch. I rudely realized that I never properly introduced you. It's filled with down feathers, and when we lay on it, we take turns picking the little prickly ones that stick out from the guts of the couch. Maybe we should stop, so we don't end up with an empty cushion cover. It's the first official couch we've ever owned, and we spend copious amounts of time on it, now that we can both fit in one spot at the same time.
Did you know it's impossible to ever get a couch to look as good as it does in furniture catalogs? The corners want to wrinkle and sag and the time it would take me to make you think I had the perfect couch far exceeds the amount of time I'm willing to spend on it. So here is my saggy, feathery, couch.

PS. The shelves are from Pottery Barn. I get asked that a lot. They're actually the 2 widest shelves they have, side by side. They were a birthday present to myself a few years ago.



They collect a lot of dust. And to be honest, even though I dust once a week, I never dust them. No one looks up there.





A few bits around the house, and the first pictures of our beeb.



This is my favorite room in the house. If I have a minute I come in here to think. In a couple months it won't be my room anymore, and we'll have to start moving out the cozy bed and put in a crib. Is there a weight limit on cribs? Maybe I can still come in here and read and think for just a few more months.

On Sunday I cozied up in the perfect sunshine and read through the collection of children's books I have stored in here. Most of them are from my childhood, or finds from thrift stores and garage sales.



I have a list of new books to buy, and soon we will have to build the shelves I want to store all of these stories I love so much.



I even have a few books in Farsi, that my family used to read to me when I was a little girl.



I love this rug. I bought it for my studio but it seems to have made a better home, here.

This weekend I used power tools. Slightly unsuccessfully, but only slightly.



I still managed to get the job done. Slightly.



This weekend we also got a new roof, thanks to 8 non-English speaking men. When I saw them sitting in the driveway eating tacos I ran to my garden and grabbed a big bag of jalapenos and sweet banana peppers.
I taught Michael how to say "would you like some jalepenos? they're from our garden" and sent him out with the bag. I think they liked them.



This weekend we bought the little one's very first toy. I named him Elliot.
I think Elliot the elephant is one of those things I will keep around forever. When I'm an old woman with Elliot-colored hair and glasses on the tip of my nose, I will remember this day. Buying our first toy for our first baby.

AND!....



Hooray, hooray, my studio is (almost) complete! Nothing I ever start has a definitive end, but for now I have a space. One with fabrics organized by color (this took 2 hours. I'm not exaggerating) and a place for everything, everything in it's place.




Elle is pleased with her new space. And she promised that over the next few months, as my clothes keep getting tighter and tighter...



...she will let me stuff pillows around her so I can figure out how to make comfortable clothes for this round belly that keeps growing every single day.



I'm so happy with my little space, and can't wait to create here. Oh. and...



This is the hair mustache. My husband decided that my little cloth doll I was working on needed a mustache. I am ashamed to admit that the nest he fashioned this stache out of came from my brush. I kind of like it...I think I'll keep it around.



And one of the best parts of my weekend came when the neighbor offered to sell me his $1,300 mountain bike for $200. He's ridden it a total of 2.5 miles, ever. It still had new tire spikes.
I've never even been on a $1,300 bike, but I will tell you that it feels like every penny.

I started biking when I was training for our backpacking/hiking trip in July. When I found out I was pregnant I was happy that I'd already been working out so much, since you can continue anything you were doing beforehand. So I've been riding my bike 4 days a week to spread my wings a bit.
Months ago my sweet husband bought me a 1974 Schwinn Varsity from a garage sale. He spent weeks in the garage, stripping the paint, replacing parts, and repairing it. When it was almost done we went to the paint store together and I picked out the most perfect shade of lime green. And she's pretty, really pretty.
He named her Elsie, and barely had time to hand her over to me before I took off down the road. I grew up on bikes, and my Grandpa is an avid biker....still at 87 years old. He has never driven a car, and his bikes are everything to him.

Hopping on a 1974 bike felt like riding in his bike basket at 5 years old. There's just something about an old bike and the way it handles that takes me back. I was a little girl again, and I haven't stopped riding since. I love Elsie, and last weekend Grandpa gave me the most perfect, giant silver basket for the back. And one day baby will ride in it just like I did.

But for now, while I'm growing big with baby and need a safer bike, I will ride my $200 steal. Besides, I can jump curbs in this thing. And even though my midwives would probably kill me if they knew I was jumping curbs on a mountain bike, I think a little excitement in your life can go a long way.


Sometimes it's the most simple things that put a smile on my face for a week straight. Hairbrush mustaches, new bikes, Elliots, and a gaggle of happy Mexican men with their bag of jalapenos.

Just the simple things. Life is good.

60 comments:

Karyn said...

Hi - I have just started following your blog and what a beautiful one it is!

Your home looks so warm and welcoming, you certainly have a natural ability to make your house a home.

Your wee little belly is beautiful too... it takes me back to my first pregnancy five years ago and brings a warm glow to my heart.

Thanks for sharing.

Karyn
Australia

Lesley said...

the pitchfork from arkansas! such a good use for it!
you're growing and looking adorable!

Jacki said...

That mustache made me laugh. I wonder if I can make one too from my brush. I have a lot of hair too! I wish I know how to bike. That is one thing I would like to learn. I tried at Walmart but I was shaking like crazy!

Unknown said...

the part about what you'll remember as an old woman about your first child gave me goosebumps... I think about those things all the time. it never gets old.

Tara said...

A bike with a basket is a very good thing.. great post.

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

You home is adorable and cozy, love the way you decorate.
Love your belly too :)

Anonymous said...

Elephants are my favorite animal and my cat's name is Elliot, so I was nodding super approvingly when I saw your baby's first toy. :)

I like the two giant coffee cups you have on your studio floor. I'm assuming it's for your cat? I may just have to steal that idea from ya.

Monique said...

I love that you will continue to cycle throughout your pregnancy. Cycling is my ultimate favorite thing to do. Cheers.

Anonymous said...

Hmm... that photo of your belly looks like it could be me, only... I'm not pregnant! :S

haha... :)

I do love your house and your arranged fabrics. Organised things are so refreshing. Congrats on the bike! :)

Jaimie said...

Um I have DEFINITELY crawled in my kiddo's bed. I'm prolly about the same size as you. It didn't break! Haha

Fancy said...

I love your sewing room! Very inspirational :)

Christine--RHP said...

oh dear--you remind me of me when I was pregnant with my boy--the books I bought him were the hardbound little editions of Beatrix Potter (which he still gets nostalgic about and reads even at nearly 13!!!!!) and his first toy which was a chenille stuffed frog named 'Froggy' who still sits on his bed. That frog will be in the family forever!!
Enjoy the journey!

siniann said...

Your house is so cozy and the sofa, I feel like spending a whole day in it! it looks so perfect :) We should find a new one, all are more close to thousand euros and I think it's too much just for a sofa.

That bike of yours looks litte bit like the one I got from flea market, I painted it with sky blue and just yesterday I had a ride in the downtown.

I suggest to keep something cozy for you and the baby in the baby's room, to relax all together. But well, it's just an idea, never had a baby myself ;)

Thank you again for this inspiring post! And i'm glad that you got your energy back.

marisolkate said...

I love the end of your post the most! It is so important to recognize the simple things that make life good:) You have a beautiful blog Aura!

Anna said...

Great post. I really enjoy reading and seeing anything you post. And congratulations on the baby! :)

Ashley said...

Okay, somehow my mind interpreted mountain bike as dirt bike-like the ones Michael rides. So I'm sitting here visualizing you big and pregnant with your streamlined helmet on jumping dirt hills! Haha. Then you mentioned your grandpa and it all made sense. BICYCLE. Got it.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

U must get the books by Margaret Brown--she wrote Goodnight Moon.. also "I Will Love You forever", that book definitely explains love between a parent and child...
Your home is Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel!.

And Kathleen said...

I'm a little bit obsessed with that Destination NY photo. Love it.

I've been biking hard in prep for our big hike too. My cycling instructor asked if I've seen a change in my body since starting and I told him "yes. an inch on each thigh." which totally freaked the rest of the ladies in the class out - but I felt proud of my big strong legs.

Congrats again on the baby. This is huge. You're going to make a great mom.

jennifer said...

hi,
i love your home photos, it looks so cozy!
ya know, i raised both of my girls in a room just like yours. we never used a crib, and never needed to and i did lots of reading & napping in there, too!
also, love the stache!

Melissa said...

I've totally snuggled up in the crib with my babies before. :) I'm curious - what does the B&L stand for in your studio? And don't you love how fresh and crisp a house feels after fall cleaning and reorganizing?

Unknown said...

Ho-ly Cow about the bike. What a steal!
I hear you about losing "your" room: I'm losing mine in March! From experience, get a nice, comfy chair to go in the nursery; you'll be spending a lot of time in there!

Stephanie said...

Aura my husband has 8, yes 8, bicycles in our apartment. I would have gladly secretly shipped one to you. ;)

You are looking stunning, my friend

~3iNnA~ said...

Thanks for sharing your studio. I believe you it takes you two hrs to organize the fabrics. I am still continuing to move my "sewing" to my basement. I take pictures of my fabrics so I know what I have and they all in couple of containers.

Do you have some kind of slip for your sofa...it protect it in a way.

I enjoy your blog very much. Good to hear you feeling better.

Miss Welcome said...

I really love the books by Margaret Wise Brown, and also her life, if you ever have a chance to google it.

Deepthi Pola said...

your house is so adorable.. i almost loved every item over there especially the closet with different colors of clothes arrangement.

Scott and Tabi said...

omygosh, i just saw that you're expecting! how exciting!!! were you guys trying? how long did it take you? you so don't have to answer these q's if they're too personal. i'm just curious :) i just got off the pill to start TTC and am scared to death but excited too.

and "Khareh Dana"?!? hahaha! what an oxymoron! that's the best!

Bethany Susan said...

i love that 'peace' art in your fireplace. and i love your celebration of the simple joys. :)

Anonymous said...

What does the "B & L" stand for in the studio? Seeing your organized fabrics inspired me to do a little organizing this weekend!

Aspiring Kennedy said...

Aura- I love that you are having a baby, and can't wait to watch how stinking cute you are going to be!

An another note- the movie you made about this summer is really amazing. It's pushing me to try out making videos. {I think I can. I think I can...}

Love reading your blog. You are gorgeous. Let's be friends. :)

xoxo- lauren

Heather said...

Read "Someday" by Alison McGhee. It's so amazing and gives me goosebumps because it's crazy that someone could love something as much as their babes :)
I plan on buying it for all of my loves that are embarking on their baby journeys and will read it over and over when the hubs and I have a little one.

Tricia said...

I'm glad to hear your energy is returning.

Elliot is cute. My first ever toy was a knitted elephant called Ellephante. I still have and cherish him.

a little black cloud in a dress said...

your home looks so cozy and inviting.. and like a home, not a house. I love it!

Angela said...

Lovely post as always. Curious what "B&L" stands for in your studio?

DeAnna said...

I am a new follower as of today...i love your blog!!! period - love it! and congrats on the baby!! i look forward to reading more...

Esther Diehl said...

I love your sense of decor and your organic approach to life. Such an inspiration!

Natasha Ayers said...

HI!!!! I discovered your blog a while back, through a comment you left on someone else's blog, and thought your name was pretty awesome. So, been lurking around ever since, and your blog rocks. Just a thought, as a co-sleeping mommy, have you considered co-sleeping with your Beeb? With our first, we spent a ton (as well as contributing family members) on the perfect pieces for our son's nursery. We never used any of it; the kid refused to be apart from us and his kangaroo-care. Looking back, I would have spent all that cash on pre and post natal massages. And in that regard, you can design your guest room to accommodate the whole family, without care for weight limits. Just a thought I wanted to share, from experience! Wishing you the best, and many blessings for this new phase of your life!!!

Johanna said...

Your new couch looks awesome and comfy. They never look like they do in the catalogs because the ones in the catalogs have never been sat in, jumped on, or wallowed on by dogs. The best part about couches are never fully advertised in photos! Hehe

Unknown said...

What a delightfully adorable blog you have! Congrats on baby!!

Marisa said...

Everything is lovely Aura! I love your style and can't wait to see the nursery!

I was inspired by the food week you did a while back and added some recipes to my blog. :)

Giovanna said...

yay for mountain bikes!!! that's awesome. the schwinn sounds super cool too. i just discovered your blog and i love it.

yours truly, melissa said...

You look adorable and everything at your house looks so cozy and sweet!
I love bikes! I have two...a road bike and a mountain bike. My dad has my grandmother's vintage blue bike in storage and I want it too, but three bikes sounds a little excessive, no?
Where do you ride? I've ridden a couple times around our neighborhood, but don't feel comfortable taking to the streets of our town. I wish it was a bit more bike friendly. I even wish we had a place like Lake Hefner around here... Have you ridden around that? It's 10 miles total and a nice little ride. You should post pics of your bike!

Aqeela said...

Congrats Aura, i cant wait to hear your story of pregnancy and motherhood, i hope you share it with us often.
The doll with real hair moustash really creeped me out though, eughhh!!!! Sorry!!!!
Aqeela xx

Chela said...

You are a lovely inspiration! The care and thought that you put into everything you do challenges me to do the same for myself and my family. Thank you for sharing the beauty that surrounds you and that you and your family create.

Anna said...

Congratulations on your baby! How exciting! You look fabulous.

I love your fabric. I wish I had a space and the motivation to organize all my fabric.

vintage girl at heart said...

the couch looks so comfy.
love all of your black furniture and accents.
glad you are feeling better..you look like you are glowing already!
i saw your grandpa on his bike yesterday!
enjoy your weekend!!
blessings~

Melissa Blake said...

Aura, I'm so enjoying your pregnancy journey and it's only just beginning!!! :)

p.s. those books are fantastic!

charlita said...

I rode my bike up until my 7th month! Here in Portland it's bike culture all the way but I still felt self conscious about it. People hate to see a big pregnant lady on a bike. But it's actually really great for your pelvis and to keep everything limber for delivery and I had mine naturally with no problems, so you go, girl! I am just confused about the new bike you bought, is it a man's bike? Usually they are different and I wouldn't want you to injure yourself on the bar. But ymmv.
Also, I'll Love You Forever is the creepiest kids book I have ever read. I love your selection so far. congrats!!!!!!

Miss Minty said...

Hi Aura! I just found your blog through Pacing the Panic Room. So glad I did; your pictures and writing make me happy.

cheers,

Emily

Meg said...

I love your home. It's so warm.

BlackPearl said...

Your house looks great! Unfortunately for me, m nesting stage lasted a couple days, after that I was too huge to move :).

You won a versatile blogger award on my site. Stop by to claim it and check it out. http://linkalinks.blogspot.com/

raven said...

You, your decor + your life in pictures are simply gorgeous, gorgeous....so much so that it beared repeating ;)

xo,
raven

ps - that Jack Johnson onsie is tres adorable!!! talking about raising a little one right, haha.

littlenor said...

Aura,

I came to your blog as a source of inspiration and I started to cry as I learned you are expecting. This is so touching. I am more than ecstatic. The story of this is so beautiful. This child will be born into so much love already I just know it. You are such a beautiful woman and will make a beautiful, fun, inspirational, creative, full-of-culture mother. I can't wait for you Aura!!!! I am so happy for you!!!!!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

The room looks so great! I love that you found a new home for the pitch fork! Great use of it to hold back the adorable curtains! I wish I could be so talented with the sewing machine I really should take lessons!

Your little bump looks so cute!

Heather said...

What a great space! I love how artsy it is and you are so cute!

abi said...

Beautiful space and beautiful photos! I'm visiting from Kelly's and will start following your fun blog.

Miranda said...

This is sooooo nice :-) Will you PLEASE come and decorate my WHOLE house?!?! ;-)

Miranda
http://hanginloosewiththetuccis.blogspot.com

Eunece said...

200$ bike is a real steal=) Love the space you have very cozy and neat.

Coritabee said...

eeeek I just stumbled on this as I don't have much time to read/update my blog any longer and just realised you're pregnant!!!!!! EEEEEEEK how exciting is that!!
You make such a lovely mama too... your house is such a dream btw - love how you separated the fabrics

p e r s i a n m o n i said...

your site is so beautiful! Congrats on the amazing news of becoming mama.

Ashley J. said...

I usually only follow crafting and tutorial-like blogs, but yours really caught my eye. You have a beautiful house, wonderful family, and you're a very talented person! I enjoyed reading it alot and I'm looking forward to your next posting!

Congradulations on your new little one!

Ashley J.