Nespress yoself

For my Mother's Day gift, an early one, I got a Nespresso Citiz. I tried out my sister's while we were in Colorado for my nephew's first communion. We were there for three days and two nights. Three days and two nights. That's all it took to become seriously attached. I would wake up and ask when I was getting my perfect cup of coffee. I'm such a gracious guest. Ha. 

When I saw that Williams Sonoma was having a sale and that Nespresso was doing $75 in club credit for pods, I knew it was a sign that I needed to make one of those lovely machines mine. The other sign: my Starbucks expenditures each month were getting higher and higher. With two kids in daycare, I knew I needed to get a better solution. Or a second job. 

There are several models to choose from and it can be confusing to figure out what the difference is. The latest model is the VertoLine, which has custom pods for both espresso and coffee. It actually customizes each pod by reading a barcode on the pod to give it the right amount of water based on that barcode. But it's a new line and the jury is still out. I already have a perfectly fine coffee maker, so I stuck with the OriginalLine. I debated getting the Pixie because of it's Swiss-made all metal craftsmanship, but it holds the least amount of water (in hindsight, this isn't a problem; you want fresh water for your brew). The Insissia is more affordable but not as sleek and doesn't have the almost 5-star rating the Citiz has been given. The Citiz is a little more pricier ($299), but the reviews make me confident I'm buying a solid product that's not just some trend. 

It came with a sample pack of pods to try and let me tell you, I'm having so much fun figuring out what intensities I like. Plus it's fun to mix it up. Some days are 12s and I need the flavor jolt; other days are 3s and mellow. I debating about buying an assortment pack with my credit just for fun. (Update: I bought the 200-pod welcome box. Loving it while I determine which pods I prefer.)

The other thing that came in my bundle is a milk frother. If you're in the market for a frother, I highly recommend it. It's $100 on its own but it really adds to the coffee experience. Plus it makes your cup so pretty and inviting. 

Vincent has really enjoyed helping me pick out a pod, load the machine, and push the button. So yeah, it's so easy a 4 year old can do it (with some assistance). 

My freelance black hole has Starbucks and a new scarf

I've been sucked down the freelance writing vortex again. The black hole of my social and blogging life. But the black hole does have a Starbucks, which I've been living off of. Have you tried the new caramel flan latte. Sounds gross, but it's pretty good. It's no caramel brûlée latte, which I really enjoyed over the holidays {in the little red cups}. Go give it a try if you want something different. I also decided to accept the Starbucks Via challenge. I bought the vanilla latte flavor. I hated it. Couldn't even stand to take more than three little sips. Jonathan, on the other hand, said he liked it, which was surprising. So I guess he'll be enjoying the three packets I still have left. I'm not sure I'll try the Caffe Mocha flavor, especially when my new make-at-home coffee routine is to use up some hot chocolate packets we received as a Christmas gift. I dump in a packet, add strong coffee, and a touch of milk for my own cafe mocha creation on the cheap.

And because I'm saving so much money making my cafe mochas, I hired a barista for days I can't make it to Starbucks. He has a steep learning curve ahead of him.

To perk myself up I splurged and bought a navy scarf at Target. I love navy. What I like about this scarf is that it has some geometric texture and little navy metallic threads running through it that make it a little bit more surprising than just a plain scarf. I've worn it almost everyday, probably breaking a million fashion rules in the meantime just because it makes me so happy—and motivated. I need motivation like I need coffee right now—all the time. I don't see the scarf on Target's website and I'm not even sure of the brand. 

When I wasn't writing this week, I was constructing snowmen for Vincent. He's obsessed with the snowman series by Caralyn Buehner. I tell people I read them for the art.

 

This has been my week. Three screens all doing different things as I climb my way out of the writing vortex. On the plus side, I'm now schooled on reshoring, which is one of the most likely economic trends in 2014 to grow. Buy American!

 

It was a week for selfies. Really I take these pictures for my sisters who I text all day every day. This was my grandmother's shirt. It's vintage Bill Blass. I don't have a hang of how to wear it yet since the cut isn't anything like the modern cut and fit of today's button-up shirts. I love the sweet delicate floral pattern. It looks so good with my riding boots—almost like I might go riding!

Vincent in his Monster Jammies. Today was jammie day at school and who else but Mike Wazowski would do? Actually Vincent seemed a little disturbed to be taking off one pair of jammies to put on another. I thought I might not be able to convince him to wear them and was even pulling out an outfit when he changed his mind. Oh, to be a toddler. So stressful. I'm glad he decided to wear them since everyone in his class was in jammies, including his teachers. I should have worn jammies.

 

I finally got around to getting a haircut. OK, it was more like a trim, but the new haircut has bangs. I'm trying to play it cool and let them hang in my face like I just don't care. No, actually, I tucked them behind my ear .02 seconds after this picture. Why was I thinking I could handle bangs in my eyes? On the plus side, Jonathan thinks they look good, so there's that.

The motherload insta friday

OK: Let's do this! I'm late on doing last week's Insta post too. Eat it up! Don't you love getting a peek into another person's personal life?

It's perfectly acceptable for your barista to put a foam heart in your latte.

Especially when he asks if you're bringing one to a friend. Flowers in my cup? Yes, please!

This is why I brought my friend coffee. She got this for Vincent. She has my complete gratitude.

Especially when it means I can capture Vincent upright. How cute are these tiny legs? I guess he takes after his mama with chicken legs like these!

My nephew came to visit. He watched Driven while I worked and then embarrassed him with this picture. I love him so and hope I can hang out with him more before he heads off to Marine boot camp.

Why do I love my sister? Let me count the many thoughtful gifts she sends me. A wine bottle humming bird feeder! Too bad it didn't come full of wine. Can't wait to hang this bad boy outside my office window!

We went for sushi and Asian. I haven't had sushi since before I got pregnant with Vincent. It was just as good as I remembered.

And then my other nephew came to visit and Vincent had the best time hanging out with him. They even wore matching shirts to the farmstead.

This picture doesn't do the excitement face that Vincent makes with animals. He loved looking at the goats. Mama likes goats too. Guess that means we're getting a goat for a pet. Daddy?

I think Vincent could have ridden the tractor trikes all day long, but Daddy's back was tired after two lapse around.

Swinging on a wooden swing with one of your sisters is the best. 

My sister got Vincent this slide. We haven't put it outside yet because we're still working on the patio. I'm thinking about selling tickets to my indoor toddler obstacle course.

I love that this boy loves to read. "Books!" We go to the library every week.

I'm going to be a bridesmaid in my sister-in-law's wedding next summer. This is the inspiration photo of what she wants for dresses. We get to pick our own dress.

I'm thinking this dress.

I got this shamrock for my birthday in March. It's she magnificent. She was just a tiny, almost dying plant when I got her, but with some love and sun, she's my pride and joy.

Look at that smile. But look for a theme here.

We're addicted to our sippy. We got rid of our paci at 6 months, but sippies are here to stay! Whatever. If it helps him self-soothe/teeth, I'm OK with that.

I did my hair for once. I love making these curls by wrapping my hair around the barrel of the curling iron instead of twirling the curling iron around my hair. Try it sometime!

We're teaching our son all kinds of manners. Lick that last bit of yogurt out of the bowl, son!

Oh, hey Vincent! I didn't see you for that implant in your face. Oh, I guess that's just your sippy cup again.

It's hard to get a picture without our friend anymore. He's even taken to rocking and hugging it. I don't even get that kind of love!