Day 22: Some Place I’ve Traveled

As you all know, just a few months ago, I was in San Diego for BlogHer'11 -- and it was fantastic. I've already been daydreaming about '12 in NYC. (Fingers crossed that this gal joins me there!)

Snapshots From San Diego: A BlogHer'11 Visual

Goodnight.

A Little #HauteGreen Love (& Cloth Diaper Giveaway)

Hiya! It's time for a little treat, courtesy of my trip to BlogHer'11 & the crazy awesome #HatueGreen par-tay! As I'll explain in the video, I was fourtunate enough to bring home a collection of cloth diapers from some of my favourite companies -- however, since G-slice is no longer using diapers at all, I'm passing the goodness onto you! Check out the video for more info & to hear a bit about the beginning of my trip to San Diego.

Want to win? Keep reading & enter below.

Up for grabs...

• One super soft bitti d'lish AIO
• One lovely BabyKicks 3g Pocket Diaper
• One beautifully striped Thirsties Duo Wrap 

How to enter...
First, simply comment below telling me why you'd like to win!

After that, if you'd like some additional entries, feel free to do the following (leaving a new comment for each):

• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Subscribe to So Fawned
• Tweet, blog or spread the word on Facebook

Giveaway ends August 25th at midnight. Open worldwide.

PS. Check out The Eco Chic's blog for some great #HauteGreen party pics!
PPS. Read more about the #HauteGreen Social Hour and say "hi!" to all of the coordinators/sponsors.
PPS. Did you like the awkward mid-video transition? My editing skills leave something to be desired.
PPPS. You should totally follow my awesome roomie, Morgan aka @mamalovespapa, for her Thursday #SmallStyle posts and more.

Wordless Wednesday (And Then We Had Drinks With Ricki Lake)

What Mama Wore: Toca Boca Luncheon

Oh my word, I'm in such a haze after my BlogHer'11 experience! Everything's sort of swirling around me at the moment as I attempt to regain control of reality, and prepare to teach my first round of prenatal classes -- starting tonight! Phew! So exciting.

On the first day of BlogHer (yes, please sing that like a Christmas carol) I attended a private luncheon hosted by Toca Boca. And during that event, I took pictures of myself in the restaurant's SUPER cute bathroom. It's true.

I'm such a dweebs... snapping Camera+ pics in bathroom. Bloggers are weird. Let's just face it now. And honestly, the bathroom was beyond cute -- do you see those hand painted doors? A-door-able! (I couldn't resist.) (Whattadork.)

Dress: Thrifted, Daiz

Tights: H&M

Flip-flops: Old Navy

Shrug: Old Navy (I'm in love with this one)

Purse: Thrifted

Necklace: A gift from She Loves Libraries

Ring: Sent to me by a lovely reader in NZ

PS. Will be posting a Toca Boca review in the near future... and perhaps a little giveaway as well!
PPS. More BlogHer'11 updates... and lots of fun stuff coming up soon. Ooh la la.
PPPS. Have you tried out any of the Toca Boca apps with your kiddos? Totally cute.

Music & Mamas

Hello, hello! I promised that if my friend's band posted another video, that I would totally share it with you, so here's another fabulous session from Tin Vespers:

In other news, Morgan & I are having a FABULOUS time here in San Diego! My goodness what a busy time! I can't wait to share more pics & stories & goodies! We have been meeting some seriously wonderful, inspiring and amazing women! Wowzers.

Ciao!

Fawned Friday

I may be in San Diego, but the fawning doesn't stop! Thanks so much for checking in & I hope you enjoy this week's collection.

01. I'm swooning a bit over this vintage beach moment.

02. Oh gosh, this gave me goosebumps.

03. Loving these digs. Amazing.

04. The sweetest little hobbit hole.

05. The cutest caboose.

06. Chantilly was right: I DO love this post!

07. I let my baby play in the mud.

08. I think I might be in love with this man.

09. And that's how no one goes missing.

San Diego Is Beautiful, Mes Amis

And I can't wait to share more. For now... I'm here, I'm happy & I'm enjoying a quiet night in the hotel room after meeting some really lovely bloggy friends. Looking forward to what the next few days will bring.

I'm absolutely savouring each moment of mama time on this gorgeous night.

Sleep well, friends.

PS. I almost had a panic attack at the airport. I'll tell you more later.
PPS. But more importantly, the air out here is fantastic.

As Ready As I'll Ever Be

Alright, ladies & gents! I'm all packed up, I'm 98% sure I haven't forgotten anything and I'm off to catch a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport in about 4 1/2 hours.

San Diego, here I come!

PS. I think I'll go upstairs to nurse Gretchen once more before my four day absence. I know she'll be golden while I'm away, but my mama heart is thumping away. This'll be harder for me than for her, I'm sure.
PPS. I can't believe this day has finally arrived. Insane.

Exactly Two Years Ago

I can't believe this snapshot was taken two years ago today.

I also can't believe that I forgot about my three year blogoversary, which I ought to have celebrated yesterday, August 1st. Three whole years of blogging? My goodness! These last three years have shown me the best and worst moments of my life, and I'm so grateful for everyone who has commented & supported me through it all. You cats are amazing.

To another blogful year! And more!

PS. BlogHer'11 = perfect timing. See you in San Diego.

Happy Sunday, Mes Amis

Oh my word, can you believe it's the last day of July already? Which means tomorrow is August 1st... which means that today is your last chance to grab up an August sponsor spot!

With BlogHer'11 just a few short days away, this is the perfect month to start advertising your rad indie biz, blog or site with So Fawned. Rates start at just $8/month. Click here for more info.

In other news, I'm looking forward to spending a soulful, sunny Sunday with my little Fawn. After two busy, fun-filled days at the shop, I'm excited to have a full day of snuggles & silliness ahead of me. I hope you're enjoying your weekend, dear hearts. Today shall be a day to relax before my week of conference prep and packing and so on... phew! Take care, friends.

What Mama Wore: Thinking About San Diego

I really love my footless tights, mes amis, but I fought the tights/blouse combo for a long time. And I really can't explain why.

Expect this getup to make an appearance (or two) at BlogHer'11 next week. Cozy & just breezy enough for summertime. (Five days... 12345 days til I hop a plane to California. Oh my.)











Shirt: H&M
Tights: H&M
Necklace: Blue Balloon
Ring: Suzy Shier

Isn't that ring ridiculous? I bought it because the entire time I was searching the jam-packed jewelry rack (2 for $5) I couldn't stop thinking, "What on EARTH is this?" And now I'm loving it, despite the fact that my middle finger will soon be green, I'm sure.

PS. My pedicure is holding up much better than I'd thought it would... especially with a toddler stomping on me all day long. Colour me impressed. (Mani time?)

Positively Pampered

Have you ever put something off, and off, and off, and off and then when you FINALLY do it, you think to yourself, "Oh my word, WHY haven't I been doing this all along??"

I had one of those moments yesterday. About pedicures.

Have you had one of these things, people?? Becuase until yesterday, I'd never tried it and I'm fairly certain the last time I had polish on my toes was sometime in highschool... or at least university. So far back that I actually can't remember at all. I don't even own nail polish. There's not a bottle hidden anywhere in my whole house. However, as part of my pre-BlogHer'11 pampering, I figured I'd go for broke and see what all the fuss was about.

And now I'm hooked.

The fact that I got to soak my tootsies and have them all scrubbed, scuffed and prettied up for about half and hour was pure bliss. The chair massaged my back, my feet were happy & they brought me a diet soda. These should be mandatory. Especially for mamas... or anyone else who just needs a little break.

My lovely friend Claire came along with me (it was her 1st time too) and we felt completely pampered the entire time. We also giggled together as our toes are rather ticklish, and some parts of the pedi were enough to have us gripping the sides of the chair, trying not to burst our guts laughing. All in all, it was fantastic.

I feel like such a girl right now, a feeling I'm really not at all used to in my somewhat tomboyish, super clumsy, uncoordinated life.

Heck, I might even go back for a manicure before heading to San Diego.

The One Where The Fawn Gushes Because Her Heart Is Simply Bursting

Over the last few days I've had some really wonderful chats with some of my favourite people and my heart is so full of love for their kind words & warm hugs. Most of the folks in my life, by now, get the gist of what's been going on with the boy & myself, and so a great deal of them have been more than happy to be sounding boards, as I attempt to make sense of the whirlwind that is my life at this time.

Even when I feel lower than dirt, squashed & forlorn, I am always astonished, yet ever so grateful for those people surrounding me who are just so good. For those who bring me tea & berries, for those who hold my hand, for those who love my daughter, for those who send me lovely messages to buck up my spirits when all seems near-lost, for those who know me well, for those who care deeply -- for all of you, I pour out streams from my heart in awe and honour.

This month has been near nightmarish, however, somehow also empowering. Choices and opportunities for change, fresh starts and new beginnings... reasons to let vulnerability soar to the highest of highs. Something will have to give in the next little while, and knowing you lovelies might be along for the ride, gives me just that much more hope.

It'll be alright, it'll be alright, it'll be alright, it'll be okay.

In 15 days I'll be boarding a plane, BlogHer-bound, traveling 4200km from my doorstep, for four entire days of fabulous insanity. For those attending, I hope to meet as many of you as humanly possible. I feel this shall be an emotional trip & I know that I will return home rejuvenated in some way.

I have faith in the future, dear friends. In happiness and a beautiful life.

And I know that's what'll get me through whatever the world might throw my way.

When The Busy Get Busier

Just when I think life couldn't possibly get any busier -- it does. Like whoa. And then I realize I haven't blogged in nearly three days and I think, well Des, that's crappy. Get thee to it!

Lately I've had lots of crazy BlogHer'11 thoughts on my mind. I can't believe it's in LESS than a month and I hardly feel prepared at all. I feel worried about leaving Gretchen, my baby girl who still prefers to nurse quite a bit, especially before she sleep. I feel nervous about my passport, and plane tickets, and parties and friends and oh my word. Deep breaths, mama.

Honestly, I KNOW that I'm going to have a truly incredible time. I KNOW that rooming with Morgan is going to be flippin' fantastic and that I may never want to leave San Diego once I get there, but thank you for letting me shout out all of the nonsense that's been rattling around in my brain lately. ('Cause there's a LOT of it.)

You all know my life's been a little upside down lately, and the only update I have there is that it's going to take some time. So how's that for being cryptic? But I also have some happy news, which I'm not sure I've shared. Starting just after BlogHer, I'll be teaching prenatal classes at Glow (a wonderful maternity studio downtown). I'll be taking over for a dear friend doula who has moved out of the area. Glow is the same place where I run my Moms Helping Moms group each Wednesday morning with Kim (of Your Green Baby fame!) AND I've also taken on a few shifts working in the shop! They've welcomed me with open arms over there and I'm so thrilled to be involved! What a great way to meet local mamas and expectant mamas too! It does mean that my schedule has turned into a chaotic freakshow, but I almost like it like this. Plus, I know the calm shall settle eventually, and I'm happy to wait it out... as patiently as possible.

So what do you think? Am I forgiven for being a blog-neglecting butthead?

(Yup, I just called myself a butthead. I think I need some coffee...)

Completely unrelated photo from our trip to the zoo this morning. Love this guy.

BlogHer'11: Meet My Roommate!

I don't think I've been chatting about it too much on the blog, but you've probably seen the button in my sidebar: I'm going to BlogHer'11! And to sweeten the deal, I'll be sharing a room with the super fabulous Morgan of Mama Loves Papa fame. Today we're sharing interviews with each other on our blogs, as a little get-to-know-you.

01. Tell us a little about yourself!
I'm 28 and have been married to my husband, Eric, for almost eight years and have four kids. (Yep, we got married and had babies super young!) Our boys are 6, 5, and 3 and our baby girl is 16 months. I love to buy vintage clothes and refashion them. I also love thrifting, sewing, riding bikes with my family, and drinking coffee.

02. Describe the path that lead you to begin your blog. What advice to you have for other blogging mamas?
I've always been a big fan of the internet. In high school I loved chatting with friends on aol and I even had my own website on "gurlpages" a domain through the store Delia's. Totally random. After my oldest son, Judah, was born I wanted a place to document his life and to post pictures for family to see. It was also nice to have a little hobby as a new stay at home mom.
My advice to blogging mamas is just to be authentic and real and let the joy in your life overflow into your blog. I love all kinds of pretty and inspiring posts, but seeing a glimpse into someone's heart is my absolute favorite.

03. What is your favourite part about being a homeschooling mom? What is the hardest part?
The hardest part- I'm with my kids all day long. I'm the one who has to deal with the fighting, all the messes, and I never really get a break during the day. (Although, my husband is usually good about allowing me time to recharge in the evenings or during the weekends.). My six year old is a great little learner, but trying to entertain three other little ones can be really frustrating. Next year I'll be teaching my two oldest and I don't know if that's going to be easier or harder. We're definitely being schooled in patience, grace, forgiveness and getting to say "I'm Sorry" a lot.
My favorite part (or "favourite" as you adorable Canadians say) is the same thing- being with my kids all day. I love that I get to see their joys and accomplishments, I'm the one to comfort during their hard times, I just get to spend lots of time with them and hang out with my favorite little people. My goal for homeschool is definitely for them to be strong academically, but more so to help form their character and see them grow up as loving, compassionate adults.

04. Can you tell us what "a day in the life of Morgan" looks like?
During the weekdays I usually roll out of bed (I'm not a morning person) and have a little bit of quiet time before I wake up. If my husband has to leave early I'll make the kids and I breakfast, but if not then he makes breakfasat. We usually start school around 8:30 or 9. School can be chaotic sometimes (although, sometimes we have days when everyone is quiet and attentive), so I'm usually helping my oldest while holding one or two of the little ones on my lap.
We're done with school by lunch, so we all eat lunch together, then I put the little ones down for a nap. Twice a week my oldest goes to "real school"- the private school that we homeschool through, so we drop him off there before naptime. On the other days the older boys play with toys or in the backyard while I straighten up the house, do chores, and/or work on my blog and catch up on reading my favorite blogs.
After nap time I start making dinner, my husband comes home, and we eat. My husband usually gives the little ones a bath and the older boys take a shower. We clean up the table/kitchen and finish up the bedtime routine. By this time we're usually exhausted, so we relax by watching something on Hulu, reading, or more blogging for me, only to wake up and do it all over again.

05. What are you most looking forward to about BlogHer? What are you nervous about?
I'm so excited to connect with and meet (hopefully) so many of my favorite bloggers. I can't wait to see in real life people that I already feel like I know so much about. I'm sure one of the highlights will be rooming with Desiree! I'm also looking forward to the speakers and sessions and the parties sound like so much fun!
With Blogher being my first conference I have no idea what to expect. Sometimes it seems like the more I read the more overwhelmed and intimidated I am, although I know it will be so much fun!

You can check out my interview over at Mama Loves Papa too -- I promise you'll be hooked on her blog in no time!

Are you San Diego bound this August? If so, let me know in the comments. I'd love to meet you!