mommy-hood and other happenings

February 27, 2015 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com Leave a Comment

While I am writing: I am sitting in front of a blasting heater, (I am always cold). Clay is asleep on my shoulder… I can feel the snores comin’, and my eyes are heavy. Ezra is asleep in his crib, but it’s around that time of night where he wakes up, cries, I go in there rub his back, and he falls back asleep. I am waiting… tick tock. It’s like clock-work.

Time seems to be flying by at the speed of light, but at the same time the days drag on for what seem like an eternity. How can this be? My little one is taking his first steps. Tiny ones here and there. He gets so excited, looks at Clay and I for reassurance, and applause of course. I know my days of having a clingy, needy child who is constantly raising his arms at me are nearing an end. There is a part of me that is thankful beyond belief. I can’t pack this kid around forever! And the other part feels a little heartbroken, my little baby isn’t such a baby anymore!

Headed Somewhere Blog I just quit my accounting job to be able to stay home with Ezra. I have so many other projects going on, so I can’t really say I quit working, it actually seems to be a lot more work being home and hustlin’. Accounting doesn’t seem so hard next to mommy hood. By the time 5:00 rolls around I am practically begging for mercy. Clay walks through the door like my saving grace, my hero. Ugh, guys. I gotta be honest, some days are just… UGHHH. hard. But then Ezra crawls over to my lap while I read him his favorite books. He turns the pages at just the right time and listens so intently, it melts me and everything, once again, is perfect in the world.

This house is starting to feel like a home. I am really, truly in love with it. It feels so teeny, tiny, cozy, perfect for us. We are always cuddled around each other anyway, I don’t think we’ll ever need that much space. We just like each other too much.

Headed Somewhere Blog

Just received this lovely little wall weave in the mail from LoveandLoom. It is such a perfect little piece, I am so in love. Each little corner is coming together slowly but surely. Always on the lookout for inspiration! Will be sharing my fave inspirations as of late aaaaand also a “home tour” of sorts soon!

a letter to ezra: one woman army

February 21, 2015 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com Leave a Comment

HeadedSomewhere Blog #unitedinmotherhood

The moment you were born I felt an overwhelming sense of empowerment, responsibility and an intense instinct to protect you. You were mine, and I was going to do anything to keep you safe, feeling secure and loved. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. There are still days that reduce me to tears… we cry a lot together; and a lot of time I feel I am failing. But you are oh, so forgiving, you always make those hard days and feelings of inadequacy disappear with your cuddles and love pinches at the end of each day. The amount of love I have for you is more than I have ever felt. The need to be your mama, your protector, is stronger than any other pull in my life. You are it baby boy. You are now my reason for living, my reason for waking up in the morning, (usually much earlier than I’d like), and my reason for trying to be a better person. HeadedSomewhere Blog #unitedinmotherhood

HeadedSomewhere Blog #unitedinmotherhood I truly believe you have something in you that is so good, so powerful, that you will make this world better than before you came. I see your potential. You are so smart, so sweet, so good natured. As a mother, I can only hope I will be able to guide you in a way that your true self will shine and your goodness be apparent. I have no doubt you will do something incredible with this life of yours.

#unitedinmotherhood

our grass is pretty green

January 19, 2015 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 13 Comments

I have been all weepy about not having snow or seasons this winter. I longed for those snow days in Utah: laying in bed with hot tea, watching the snow fall, so calming and peaceful. I am so nostalgic it’s sick! I tend to forget about the ice scraping, snow shoveling and slick road driving stuff. That’s why we moved! REMEMBER?! But there is just something so magical about winter to me… I don’t think I would mind moving back. (Grass is always greener). So yesterday was such a nice day, we decided to make a pit-stop to feel the sun beating on our bare legs… in January. Sometimes that last minute detour is what it takes to realize our grass is pretty green already.

Ezra played in the sand for the first time. He was so timid at first, making sure not to get one tiny speck on his hands. But by the time we were leaving, his hands, hair and diaper full were full of sand.

I think we’ve got ourselves a beach babe.

you are enough, my friend.

January 16, 2015 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 26 Comments

My relationship with social media is similar to my relationship with my long time high school boyfriend. We were on, we were off, I was in “love”, I never wanted to look at him again. Sometimes things were pretty good and I thought we made a pretty great team, and other times he would put everything I had ever given him in a box, bring it to my house and run over it with his car while I watched. (That’s where it ended. Very symbolic and artsy, really… Oh! The drama.)

My Facebook days have long since passed. We broke up years ago for reasons I don’t need to discuss here. But Instagram is my love and my nemesis, my friend and my foe. I can say this knowing I am not the only one. Studies show that when we receive a “like” or “comment” on one of our Instagram posts, there is a small burst of endorphins that run through our body. “Ooo! Someone likes me!”, “someone whom I have never met thinks I am pretty!”, “someone approves of my breakfast!” It’s a fact people. A sad fact. When we post something and nobody “likes” it, we fall into a deep dark hole and only a quart of Ben & Jerry’s and a Sandra Bullock movie can bring us out. (That last part isn’t verified by scientists, but it happens.)

So here is the bone I’m pickin’ with Instagram, (and any other form of social media for that matter, Instagram just happens to be my drug of choice.) It will kill you. You will die a slow and sad death if not managed correctly. And managing with complete and utter indifference is a very hard thing to do. There will always be someone who outdoes your posts; someone whose life looks MUCH more put together than yours. They are up at 7 a.m. making lemon ricotta pancakes, #organic, in silk pajamas for their 4 children, #blessed, while each one of them is dressed in designer clothing and playing together quietly by the open fire. #dancingtosinatra #isntlifeperfect. Well that’s the thing, it’s not perfect, and that’s not real. I have found myself obsessing and comparing myself and my life to THIS! Thinking I need this, I don’t do that, last but not least, why don’t as many people like ME?!

It’s sad you guys. Really sad. But I want to be real with you. I have been that person sulking in the corner thinking my life doesn’t compare. But guess what, my life is my life and it’s perfect and fine just the way it is. I have laundry up to my eyeballs because our laundry machine has been broken for a month! I can’t even remember the last time I made a home-cooked meal and I RARELY do my hair. I brush it like 3 times per week. And that’s fine. Because that’s me, that’s us. And when I’m not busy comparing what we have to what I THINK other people have, we’re pretty happy. I wouldn’t mind a new washing machine though. #openfordonations

I read somewhere a short essay by author Judd Apatow …. And by “somewhere” I mean a chipotle paper to-go bag, (See? My lack of home-cooking brought me to this brilliant epiphany. Winning already.) “When I was in high school there were 500 people in my graduating class. Out of those 500 people I had two best friends and five other real friends. So I had a true connection with seven people and did not have a true connection with 493 people. Now I create stories and hope that 500 out of 500 people will appreciate the work. That is impossible. I don’t love most things I see or listen to, why should they? The truth is I should be happy with seven people being touched or amused by my work. I think it is okay to accept the fact that most people won’t get you. We don’t need to like each other so much. We need to be kind and respect each other.”

I have 2,850 followers on Instagram, and guess how many people called me on my birthday? 3. Guess how many people I meet for lunch on a regular basis? Um… probably 2. And the number of people I keep in touch with via text or phone call is around 12. I don’t think anyone on the face of this planet has more than 30 “real life, I see your face all the time” friends. I mean, that would just be exhausting. Unless you’re Taylor Swift, then maybe you have more.

So here’s the bottom line. I just want to let you know that you are enough. You are beautiful, important, special and worthwhile. Even if you can’t take a decent photo if your life depended on it, maybe you aren’t a photographer by trade! Who cares! You are fabulous and wonderful.

Am I going to be quitting social media anytime soon? I don’t think so. Here’s the problem. I am a sucker for that silly little app. I love taking photos of my little one, I love seeing what people had for breakfast… I truly do, it’s a funny thing… and those FILTERS! I can’t stop editing photos, it’s an unruly obsession. But the comparison needs to stop. Like yesterday. I need to be greater and better than what the numbers on Instagram tell me. I need to stop beating myself up. I am me, and I am enough.

a gifting guide // bring on Christmas cheer!

December 16, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 2 Comments

Madness is happening at my house. We are still surrounded by boxes, our mattress is on the floor and we have been spending our evenings sitting on the rug in the living room because we are still without a sofa. Christmas is nowhere to be found except for the one sad reindeer candle holder obscurely placed on the mantle that managed to make its way out of the Christmas box somehow. It’s not even holding any candles, poor thing. Random knick-knacks and do-dads are scattered around the house without any place to go… (that’s what you get when there is no organization in your packing procedures.)

ANYWAY, with the season fast approaching sans Christmas-like feelings; I have decided that I needed to lift my Christmas spirits by creating a gift guide for him, her, and the little one in your life. Because hey, there’s nothing that makes it feel more like Christmas than swiping that credit card, right?! Just kidding, that’s terrible. Trying again: Because there’s nothing that makes it feel more like Christmas than finding that perfect gift for that special someone. That’s a little better.

So this is for all you procrastinators and dawdlers. I’ve got the solution to your gift-giving stupor. Yes, there are only 9 days until Christmas, but 9 days is just enough to put in that last minute order online and get your gifts here on time! I’ve put together the ultimate list of go-to gifts for the special lady, main man and the little one in your life. So you’re welcome.

For Her

Vrai&Oro Ring // Zara Ethnic Short Coat // Agate Bookends // Humble Hilo Weekender // Gardening Tools // Cheese of the month Club // Daniel Wellington Watch // Real Simple Subscription

For Him

Brookstone Pocket Projector // Patagonia Arbor Backpack // Pendleton Camp Blanket // The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell // Coin Counter (this sounds silly, but this is one of Clay’s favorite gifts I’ve given him. We’ve accumulated almost $80 dollars the past year! haha) // Event Tickets: favorite sports team, concert or the ballet perhaps?! American Buffalo Print // Baxter Shaving Kit

For your Little

Plush Panda // Land of Nod Teepee // Rocking Lamb // Gap DUDE Beanie // Wildbird Sling // Young One Apparel Sweater // Tickets to the animal park, theme park, or museum // Wooden Ride-On

Wear That Bebe!! // Wildbird

November 18, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 4 Comments

As a new mama it can be so overwhelming to know which baby products are ABSOLUTELY necessary and which are the “fluff”. For example: I thought we absolutely needed a portable changing pad. Nope. I usually end up changing him wherever is convenient, my lap, the seat of the car, trunk … you get creative. I was sure I would need about a million baby seats, one for every room in the house. This one vibrates! That one bounces! We have one that sways side to side! Now my home is scattered with so many baby chairs I’m not quite sure what to do with them. A bottle warmer, baby wipe warmer, baby bath… the list goes on and on.

My Wildbird ring sling, on the other hand, is something I didn’t think I needed from the get-go. Boy was I wrong! I honestly couldn’t live without it. It’s my go-to when Ezra is fussy or tired while we’re out n’ about or even at home. He will be content or even asleep right away. I have used it to nurse him while on the go. The extra “tail” left over is a perfect nursing cover.

I have been using my Wildbird sling since he was just tiny, and now that he’s older he loves being able to sit on my hip to see what I’m doing! Not to mention he is the most cuddly little guy! (I hope he stays this way forever!)

Now let’s back it up with some cold hard facts:

Carried babies cry less. In a study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that babywearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours*. Babies thrive through touch!

Proper babywearing helps promote optimal brain, hip, spine, eye, social and emotional development. When a baby is worn in the sling he/she becomes aware of the wearer’s movements. This stimulation helps baby to regulate his/her own physical responses and exercises baby’s vestibular system, which controls balance.

Research has also shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not**. Babywearing has so many benefits for not only baby but the wearer as well. Wearing your baby has shown to reduce stress hormones in new mamas which help fight postpartum depression. The wearer has two hands free which enables the wearer to get chores done, shop, or play with other children.

Q: Why should I use a sling ring?

A: Ring slings are the easiest way to wear your baby (no wrapping or buckling). After a few times of practice, getting your baby in and out of the sling will become second nature. See our tutorials.

Q: Why is the sling made out of linen?

A: Linen is made from flax. Flax is one of the strongest natural fibers. It is three times stronger than cotton. Linen is a woven fabric that never loses it shape. It is also highly recommended for children and adults due to a non-allergic feature which makes it a great microclimate for skin. In addition, linen is the most suitable fabric for hot summer climates because of it’s cooling and refreshing effect. On the other hand it has a warming effect in winter. How? Flax absorbs sudden temperature changes and has outstanding moisture absorbency. Linen also protects skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Q: Are ring slings safe?

A: Yes! Our greatest concern is you and your baby’s safety. Wildbird slings are made from the highest quality aluminum rings available. Each tested to ensure your child’s safety. Use the sling properly and please study and practice the tips on the safety page.

Q: Are your rings certified?

A: Yes, our rings and manufacturing process are RoHS compliant. The rings are made from seamless aluminum which is heavy metal and toxin free. General certification of compliance with the CPSC/CPSIA can be made able by request.

Q: What do I do with the tail end of the sling?

A : You can simply leave the tail hanging or wrap it around the rings to get it out of the way. The tail can also be used as a nursing cover or sunshade.

Q: Is the sling portable?

A : Yes, it can easily fit inside a diaper bag or purse.

Q. Where are your slings made?

A : They are made in Salt Lake City, Utah.

So cuddle up close to that little babe!! It’s good for your baby and good for your soul.

** FAQ’s and research data taken from Wildbird website.

the one that didn’t get away.

November 14, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 11 Comments

So it FINALLY FINALLY happened. After being broken hearted 5-6 times, “the one” finally came along. At times we felt we were going through a bad breakup, we thought it was love, “why didn’t anyone want us!?” We even wrote notes to sellers BEGGING to pick us. I felt like a desperate girlfriend begging to be taken back. Depressing, I know. After much defeat, true love came along and swept us off our feet. It’s a little tiny bungalow amongst raspberry bushes and tall, tall trees. It’s got a huge deck and tons of lawn to run around on. A little swing hanging from a branch and a dilapidated play house that needs a little TLC. It has 3 raised garden beds and 3 egg laying chickens. We have lots of plans for this little home, it needs some work… but we are willing to put in the effort to make it ours.

We were put through the ringer in this house hunt, but in hindsight, I am SO glad we didn’t get any of the houses we had put offers on. I believe in fate. This little house was meant for us.

This weekend we’re pulling up carpet, prepping for hardwood floors and fixing some windows. We are NOT handy people. Wish us luck.P.S. On a side note: Ezra started CRAWLING this week!!! So exciting! He’s really on the go, wants to play with and touch everything! Crazy how time flies.

P.S.S. How do you guys feel about WHITE hardwood? Do any of you have really light hardwood in your home? This is what I’m leaning toward… a little hesitant.

announcing a new venture!

October 13, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 11 Comments

Lush Photography San Diego Woohoo!!! The day is finally here! I am so excited to finally announce LUSH Photography, a new business venture I have been working on with my sister for about a year now! If you are an avid follower of my blog, you may have noticed that a lot of the photos of big events in my life are taken by my wildly talented sister, Erin. We have partnered up in this adventure: Erin taking the role as the amazing photographer and I’ll play the executive role, (everything business and marketing). Sounds great, right?!

Our approach is simplicity in every aspect. We know how difficult and tedious planning a wedding can be, your photography doesn’t need to add to the stress! We strive to create photos that are a pure representation of the love story that has brought the couple together and we stay true to the basics of what makes a photo timeless.

We’d love to hear from you!

WWW.LUSHSTUDIOS.CO

gratitude // a letter to ezra

September 19, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 5 Comments

You have filled me with gratitude lately.

I took you on a walk in your new stroller the other day. You looked so big sitting up the way you were, holding on the crossbar tightly with both hands. You kept leaning your head over the side looking at everything we passed, then looking up at me to make sure I saw it too. I was laughing out loud at your excitement. You are filled with so much curiosity and wonder; and at only 6 months. I swear if you could talk, you would teach me everything there is to know about the world. Every tiny thing catches your attention. You are so aware, so alert, and it makes me stop to see the little things as well.

We were walking down the hill and I had such an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude. My eyes welled up with tears and you just stared at me with your slow blinks, until you fell asleep. In that moment, I realized that I am one of the lucky ones. So lucky to live where we live, to love so deeply, and to have the freedoms we have. We are able to take walks outside and not have a worry in the world.

It is hard for me to remember these things sometimes. Hard to realize how lucky we really are. I get caught up in the grind and the tedious things in life. Sometimes they overwhelm me to no end and I start to feel like a hamster in a wheel. But I hope you will be different. I hope someday you will be able to see your life in a positive and grandiose perspective, and I hope you have a deep knowledge that you are loved by so many.

scenes from the weekend // la jolla, ca

August 11, 2014 by mary.l.johnson1@gmail.com 7 Comments

colors of summer

Running on only 3 hours of sleep on Friday, I was bound and determined to sleep in on Saturday morning. And that we did! We slept until 8:30. haha — Not too long ago, sleeping in for me meant being in bed until 11:30 in the (almost) afternoon. Those were the days. — We woke up with Ezra cooing and squealing between us… I would venture to say it is the best way to wake up. We made our way to Starbucks before heading south to La Jolla for the afternoon. And let me just first say, if you have not tried the sausage, egg and cheese sandwich, paired with a vanilla bean frap., I highly recommend it. HIGHLY.

A summer afternoon in La Jolla is always a good idea. Before heading to the beach we wandered around the neighborhood and talked real estate, (we are really good at that lately). We dreamed of one day living in one of the beautiful homes by the shore. We pretended the red doored cottage was ours… “K, I’m going to go run inside and grab some lemonade for us and we’ll just sit here on our perfect front lawn on our perfect little street in this perfect little neighborhood!” It was just that perfect. WHO LIVES THERE ANYWAY?! I need to know, and go to lunch with them. I am sure we would be friends.

We stumbled upon a little hole in the wall shop brimming with STACKS upon STACKS of persian rugs. I fell in love. Especially in love with one sitting on the bottom of the pile. I think it is the 7th rug from the bottom. But like I was going to ask the man working there to unfold 30 rugs, just so I could gaze at it longingly, realize it is one million dollars, only to have him add it back to the pile. So we left.

Accomplishment of the weekend: finally got into the water. Bare back. That means no wet suit. I was told the water was over 70 degrees… I beg to differ. Anyway, I caught a couple waves, (on a boogie board), hit the surf, (on a boogie board), and showed Clay what I was made of, (on a boogie board.) *note: boogie boarding is not as cool as surfing… again, so I am told. I beg to differ.

I hope all of you had a fabulous fun-filled weekend. Summer is almost over! I can’t believe it! We’ve got to make these last days count!

headedsomewhere

LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE