Jewelry Knock Off

I got this catalog in the mail last month, the store's name is Sundance and I have no clue how I got on this mailing list. It has nice stuff, but is soooo expensive! I really liked their jewelry as it is all handmade and uses custom made finishes, but this does not justify the prices. Below is one of the bracelets I saved as I knew I could make it, before I show you my version of this beauty I want you to guess how much they are charging for it... I'll give you some more info, it is sterling silver, fresh water pearls and a custom hand hammered clasp. So maybe $100, $200 tops right?

Nope! $318, can you believe that? Don't believe me? Here's the website www.sundancecatalog.com, there is a beaded bracelet for $1600 and there aren't even any diamonds on it?!?! People are nuts! Here is my version: Mine has a mix of freshwater and faux pearls, only because I wanted a mix of sizes, the beads are a mix of sterling silver, glass and metal.

My photo isn't as good as theirs but I think you get the idea. Mine costs a total of $16 meaning I saved myself $302 and I have enough to make at least 2 more! Now, I should tell you that this project did take some time, as my mom will I'm sure share her version about forcing her to work around the clock, blah blah.

She had all the jewelry making tools and knowledge to make this possible, so I may have suggested that she should stay up with me until 2:30 a.m. helping me clamp off the ends of each of the 10 strands. We started late though as we had to wait until Nolan was asleep, can you imagine trying to do this with a toddler running around...NIGHTMARE! I knew I had to get it done that night or risk having a half done project sitting around for weeks until she could come back up again! So thank you mom for your hard work and determination, it turned out great!

NAKED!

OK I promised Pat that I wouldn't really post pictures of our naked baby online, probably a good idea so I had to be selective with which pictures i used from our recent naked play time. I figure there is only so many years that it's considered cute to run around in your front yard naked so we might as well let Nolan enjoy this as much as he can. Plus there is nothing worse then trying to pull off a soggy swim diaper from a squirmy toddler...I'll pass!

Nolan has a very cute blow up fish swimming pool that he refuses to climb into, he only like to try to drink from the sprinkler in the front of it, we'll keep working on that!

I couldn't pass up a little hint of butt cleavage, too cute!

I really didn't have many blog appropriate pics, but I now have a whole photo album full of future embarrassment for teenage Nolan. Fun!!

Alki Date Night

Pat was out of town this weekend so Nolan and I were on our own. We tried out Nolan's new tricycle, complete with big boy helmet (pictures soon), played in the front yard and wandered down to Alki for a sunset walk. It was obviously Date Night on there last night as couples were EVERYWHERE!

But I was there with my little man, enjoying the time away from the house and the peace. I love the water, the sound of the waves, the ocean smell, and the tiny reflections off the water. It's the only place I've found where I can truly turn my brain off and just be. This is why I will never live in land, I would lose my mind! I wasn't sure how Nolan would do though, especially if I let him run loose but he seemed to find peace there too. He sat on the wall,

threw rocks into the waves,

watched the sunset,

and I took lots and lots of pictures!

I've been trying all Summer to capture some Summery Nolan photos(see previous post, what doesn't say summer but a naked baby?) but each time the pictures just weren't Summery enough for me. The gorgeous sunset provided us with perfect light and I got so many pictures that I love. I didn't even have to retouch these (insider secret, I enhance most of my pictures to make our complexion better, remove stains off our shirts, etc). But the light was so warm and golden it did that for us. We must have come on a good night because there were at least 3 professional photographers capturing the light as well.

And because I just love a good foot picture, here is another one of our toes by the water.

I think we might have to have more of these Mama and Nolan date nights!

Baby Races

We took down the gates that kept Nolan contained in the living room so he could burn off a little energy. It took a little while for him to explore all his new territory but now he just loves to run laps around the upper floor which is shaped like a circle. Sorry it's sideways, i can't figure out how to flip it.

Staying Cool

Nolan has hit a new phase in his toddler hood that has been a bit challenging. He still sleeps like a champ (phew!), flirts with strangers and loves playing with big kids, but his new skills of running away from me in public places, climbing onto high furniture, and whining when I stop him from doing these things keeps us home more than either of us would like.

Luckily I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep us entertained while we work on learning new toddler manners. Last week when it was crazy hot I made Nolan a water table out of our party bucket and measuring cups. He loved it!

It didn't take him long to figure out that jumping into the tub was the fastest way to cool off. So clothes and all he went in!

Of course he loved drinking the water too, he does the same thing in the bath.

Oh how i hope this phase passes before summer is over so that we can go have fun!