Favorites Friday: Houndstooth...

mmmm I love a good black & white houndstooth... did you see the blanket I made the other day? It sold out in about 3 hours, lol I LOVED it... and had to keep one for myself in case we ever get a little girl :)

So with my love of houndstooth and the new (and now gone) blanket... I thought Houndstooth was the perfect choice for this weeks favorites friday :) Enjoy! As always - if any of you amazing sellers would like to host a review & giveaway let me know! We would love to have you!

Thanks!

#1: Mariforssell - Unisex Stash iPad / Netbook Messenger Bag
#2: BrookeVanGoryDesigns - The Fundamental Tote Style Diaper Bag - Houndstooth
#3: Cantaloupe Corner - Houndstooth Ships Ahoy Applique Creeper
#4: Smarmy - Grayscale Patchwork Armwarmers
#5: PolkaDotsMoonBeans - Checked Out (throw Pillow)
#6: Small Threads - OctoStache Adult Shirt
#7: RedBirdRoadDesigns - Houndstooth Coasters
#8: Oatmeallacedesign - Horse & houndstooth Amanda clutch.
#9: GadgetGlamour - iPod iTouch Case

Thursdays Tunes - Rancid : Fall Back Down

Great tune... listen & love it :)

Ad Space?

Starting August 1st the website & blog will be running new ad's. $10 a month ($50/6 months) for a 100x800 banner on the Link page or at bottom of blog & ALL posts. OR 200x200 slots for $5 a month ($25/6 months)... This is first come first serve, slots will fill fast so please dont hesitate. Let me know if you have ANY questions or if you need help with your ad. THanks so much!

Mentoring Monday: Two-Week Itch

Mentoring Mondays:

Teaching you to be a Lady while you teach me to be a Dad (post by Adam)

We’re about 2 and half weeks from meeting, Maddie.  I can’t speak for you but I’m nervous and at times, a touch scared.  Nervous because parenting will be the hardest job I’ve ever undertaken.  Scared because there’s little room for error.  I’ve never been afraid of failing and I’m not too much of a perfectionist but the flipside is I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life than as I am about you.  
But I suppose this is where the whole “you mentoring me” bit comes into play.  I imagine how you teach me to be a father will be subtle and on-going and I may not even realize that it’s happening nor will you realize that you’re teaching me anything at all.  And that’s the sweet, subtle beauty of the whole thing, Pitseleh*.  
I suppose the bottom line is I haven’t even seen you and I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my whole life.  Emotions that strong can be very scary because the price of letdown and failure are too high.  Well, I’m not going to worry so much that the fear becomes crippling and forces me into inaction (which is often far worse than making the wrong decision).  Just know that all the bands I’ve been in, all the songs I’ve written, all the shows I’ve played, the best thing I’ve ever created is you.  (Oh okay, your mom helped.)
This one’s a bit short but I’ve said all I need to say for right now.  I’ll let my actions do the talking for me.  I promise to be the best father I can.  Will you mentor me while I mentor you?  I promise we’ll have a good life.

I love you, Maddie.

-Your Dad

* “Pitseleh” is Yiddish for “Little One.”

Favorites Friday: Family & Love.

So... Its been about a week now since I started missing my babies... and I wont see them again until August 19th... still a LONG way to go... but Im sure all you will be appreciative when you see how caught up i get :) And see how much newness gets listed... it will be amazing :) But in the mean time... spending all day home alone when Im used to total choas is making me a little lonely... So this weeks theme... family & Love.

#1: DreamingTreeCreation - I carry your heart pendant
#2: MillyLillyRose - Somer Honey
#3: AsherJasper - Needlefelted Sleepy Mama & Baby
#4: PaperPrayers - Mexed Media Home is where Our Heart is
#5: Opart - Lone Parent 10x8 Signed Print
#6: WrenWillow - Owl Family Organic Onesie
#7: Lara514 - Family Chronicles 10 pages Paper Bag Album
#8: MichelleVerbeeck - Leather Cuff Bracelet
#9: APaperBuffet - Infinite Love

Thursdays Tunes: Rockin' a Beer Gut

When we were in vegas, we had a touch screen juke box....it was awesome... we watched next to no tv... and listened to hours and hours of music... after the punk rock ran out... then the 90's rock... and the 80's rock... and even after some 60's & 70's rock... we caved to country, lol at this point there was tons of cocktails, silliness & dancing doing on in our room... and i specifically remember dancing to Shania Twain, Man I feel like a Woman, lol... but the best part, was when I saw this song... Rockin A Beer Gut. I assumed it was a song making fun of my chubby beer drinking friends back home, but no... its so much better than that. Listen, Laugh, and love it like i did. haha

Wordless Wednesday - Vegas Baby!

Everyone knows we were in vegas for out anniversary... So coming back i just had to post my favorite photos I took for wordless wednesday! We had SO much fun and it was so great to just spend a few days alone with my hubby :)

Mentoring Monday: Tolerance

After a week off Aymee is back with another amazing post. She's so close to her due date! Can't wait to see Ms. Maddie next month!!

Dear Maddie,

              Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about two words: tolerance and respect. These are words that will play a part in important lessons for you throughout life. I’ve been chewing on these words because of two stories in recent news. The first being the efforts of Minnesota Pride Fest organizers to refuse entry to an “anti-gay evangelist” from passing out Bibles and preaching at the public event like he has done in years past[1]. The second being the efforts of some to prevent moderate American Muslims from building a Muslim community center near Ground Zero[2]. What does the word tolerance mean, you ask? Good question kiddo. Tolerance is defined by the dictionary as “a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own…” Bigotry is one of the main downfalls in humans. It is an age-old flaw that to this day infects many in our societies, creating unrest on every kind of level. The more people who truly learn to be tolerant of others, the more we can achieve. Why be tolerant of others? Another good question! Answer: because it is respectful.

You will encounter people throughout your life that will treat you or someone else unkindly. When you’re younger, these people are called bullies. When you get older, these people are usually referred to as a**holes. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, maybe it’s just the Midwest in me; but I’m big on manners and showing respect to others, and I will teach you to do the same. Gestures go a long way: holding the door for someone and saying “Thank you” when someone holds the door for you; looking people in the eye; waving a “Thank you” gesture when you’re driving and someone lets you into their lane; saying “Hello,” and maybe a “How are you?” to the check-out clerk at the store; saying “Sir” or “M’aam” when talking to people—even in an informal conversation, it shows respect. Words and gestures are very powerful, and when used carelessly can hurt just as much, sometimes more than, a punch to the face. If you are kind to those around you, you will earn respect from others in return and attract true friends who will always be there for you. This is what truly makes a person rich in life. The opposite will earn you flakey “friends,” who will not be there when you really need them; they will only be around when they want something from you.

Some call it “karma;” some call it “getting what you deserve.” Regardless, a life of disrespect will also reap a life of anger. If you regularly disrespect others, you will receive the same in return which will make you angry and bitter. No one aims to live like that. It is a slippery slope one goes down when they don’t pay it forward. This won’t always be easy. In fact, I think it’s easier to not go the extra step and hold the door for someone, or say thank you, or smile at someone. The same goes for tolerance. It is certainly easier to deny another what they want than it is to allow something you don’t agree with. It takes a little effort to accept someone who is different than you. Sometimes, it’s even more difficult to be tolerant of someone who acts or believes in a way that you don’t like. People like this might annoy, or anger, you. But it is important to think before you speak or act in instances like this.

              Here’s an example: recently, I went to the store for my weekly grocery run. I approached the checkout area to find it packed; only a few lanes open and every lane had a long line of customers waiting to check out. I entered the shortest line behind a middle-aged man with a few household appliances in his cart. He quickly noticed I was behind him, approached me, and began spouting off his uninvited opinion about how terrible the store was, and then jumped into something about “scripture.” He caught me off-guard; I didn’t understand what prompted him to step up on his soapbox. I had no interest in listening to his opinion, especially since I knew most of it was misinformation most likely collected from hot-head political-extremist talk radio. (only 10% of what he said was factual and not outdated). Nor did I have any interest biting his bait for a debate in the middle of a busy store checkout lane on a Saturday. Of course, my head was swimming with smart-a** remarks like, “If they’re so awful, why do you support them with your money?” But I said nothing. I’m all for intellectual discussions, but not with people who only want to hear themselves speak. I assumed he fell into this pool because he started this conversation without provocation. When he realized he wasn’t going to be successful in getting a rise out of me, agreement or disagreement, he left his cart in line, and walked two lanes over to try his doctrine on the poor sap waiting patiently in line like the rest of us. Did I find him annoying? Yes. Did I think to myself, “I wish he’d shut up?” Yes. But silencing him would not have been the right thing to do. Telling him to “shut up” would have been rude, and would have had the opposite effect. (Let it be said your punk-rock father would say otherwise; he would likely have told the man to piss off. That’s okay too. You have the right to, but know that it only eggs people like that on; they won’t find it respectful and will most likely react in a like manner. Choose your words with your desired end in mind.) Everyone should have their soapbox to stand on if they so choose, even if that means they break it out in the middle of the checkout lane on a busy Saturday afternoon. I don’t have to agree with him, and I don’t have to like what he’s saying. I don’t even have to listen. But I do have to tolerate him because he had every right to do what he did, and that right is a beautiful thing. Tolerance was putting up with him for the ten minutes it took to get through the checkout lane.

Let’s take another example from the news stories I mentioned earlier. In both instances, we have two sides that don’t like each other’s point of view. Who’s right and wrong is for another discussion. The lesson I want to instill in you first is that both sides have a right to think and feel the way they do. But both sides should be tolerant of the other, even if it’s difficult to do so. This is a high form of respect. As long as neither side is violent or disruptive, this is healthy. It’s not easy for either side to do, but sometimes we have to do things that are hard for us, and we are stronger because of it. In the second news story, there was a great quote I wanted to share with you. It is a quote from Herbert Ouida, a parent of a 9-11 victim. He is speaking of the conflict in New York as to whether or not allow a Muslim community center to be built near Ground Zero: "I understand the anger, the bitterness and hatred, but it only generates more hatred." This quote reminds me of another that I love and believe so strongly that I had it tattooed on my arm: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Out of this light, this kind of love, comes the strength for tolerance.

Sometimes, doing the right thing is hard or uncomfortable. But it is of the upmost importance that we press on, and do the right thing anyway if we are to live peacefully. The golden rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. Bottom line: You, and no one else, should be the one to decide what you do with your body, who you love, what you believe, what you fight for, etc. and you should have the freedom to live according to those beliefs. But in order to achieve that, you must respect another’s freedom to choose differently from you. We all don’t have to agree with each other. But we must respect each other’s freedom of choice, even if we don’t like their choices. And the beautiful thing about America is we can disagree, have the freedom to say so, and have intellectual debates on why. That kind of dialogue is healthy. It’s not always easy to listen to why someone thinks you’re wrong. Sometimes you will be wrong. Sometimes you will be right and they will be wrong. And sometimes, you both must agree to disagree and move on. And you don’t have to listen to someone’s opinion: that’s your choice whether or not to listen. But as long as they aren’t violent or disruptive, you do have to allow them the freedom to voice that opinion.

---

[1] http://www.startribune.com/local/97237759.html?page=1&c=y

[2] http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/07/new.york.ground.zero.mosque/index.html

Fashback...

So... Im planning ahead for a flash back... right now its Friday... but technically when I post this it will be Sunday... and ill hopefully probably be passed out in my giant bed at the Hard Rock... and I knew i would just HAVE to post a little something for you... For those of you that have seen all these... sorry for being repetitive, lol just thought it would be fun... lots of newbies here now to share with!

A year ago, July 18th 2009, I married my hubby. We had a small, close family & friends wedding... almost 100% handmade and very eco friendly decor... I tried VERY hard to make it special in this manor. We were on a tight budget so I worked out trades with many etsiers... and in the end, it turned out to be absolutely beautiful, and we were even featured on The Off Beat Bride! What an honor. IT was a beautiful day, and im SO glad we did it this way, rather than the big over the top wedding. Take a peek at some of my favorite pics and reminisce with me :)

I was married in Sequin Black Mono Converse :) And my dress was on clearance from Jessica McClintock for $135. SCORE! Though, if I could change anything, I would have splurged and gotten a handmade etsy dress :)

My engagement ring was made on Etsy, a shop that specifically deals with Titanium & Diamonds, LOVE it... and I rigged up the cake topper w/ the guitar :)

I did the flowers myself... red roses, black feathers & damask fabric scraps. LOVED them. Cost me about $50 to make all 6 bouquets... and the flower girl threw dried rose petals from when zaq gave me flowers when the boys' were born. Saved money & VERY special.

Zaq wrote me a song, played it during the ceremony, it everyone clapped when he finished, lol it was perfect.

Ties were handmade from RokGear on Etsy... the boys' vests were made my Grandma Dawn...

family. 

The cutest Skully Bride & Groom, a gift from a friend, bought on etsy.

awesomest wedding party on earth :)

he was saying something naughty....

I love you baby. I can't be me without you.

Favorites Friday: Happy Anniversary!

Like I've been rambling about... its my Anniversary this weekend... so even though zaq & I decided on a fun Vegas trip instead of gifts this year... I thought it would still be fun to see what Etsy had to offer :)

(click to zoom)

#1: ChloeandSofiasMom - Love never dies Fine Art Print (totally LOVE this. NEEDS to be in our house)
#2: SkyKoltun - Tough Love Never Quits (Who said showing your love has to be cheesy? This are they coolest necklaces I have ever seen.... might need a set... look at the back it has the date and then - death.)
#3: CozyBlue - Custom Heart Tree Pillow Cover w/ initials
#4: Myadobecottage - LOVE Burlap PIllow Cover (This is so cute... I want one!)
#5: JCJewelryDesign - Hand Stamped Guitar Pick (I got zaq one of these for Christmas a couple years ago... says - I can't be me without you.)
#6: BestArtStudios2 - Heart Print - (love this... always stalked his store, and at 50% off, might be time to buy ;)
#7: FunCards - I LOVE YOU scrabble letters sign (We are Words w/ Friends geeks, lol)
#8: DBK Apparel - NEVER LET GO t-shirt
#9: StoreyShop - I love you more than Etsy card

A year ago today - we were back in illinois running like chickens with our heads cut off... planing for the coolest rocker-chic wedding on earth...

Please dont "steal" this image... it was custom drawn for us by our tattoo artist for our invitations and I have been afraid to post it online for rear of someone stealing it... just don't do it ;) Thanks!

My shoe was on National Television! lol

Check it out! Remember when we went to Warped Tour to hang with Motion City Soundtrack? They were filming on the bus for Fuse... watch it! Thats my shoe mostly... but Im sitting on the couch holding Joshua Cain's baby Dot :) Im such a geek... but thought it was pretty cool :)


http://fuse.tv/tours/warped-2010/interview14.html

Happy Anniversary Baby...

Wow *wipes brow* Has it really been a year already? With two kids Im sure most of you are thinking, ummm huh? But yes its true, we did things a little backwards... i think the story is supposed to go like this... first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage... our story went something like this... first comes love... then comes a baby in a baby carriage, then stress & fighting, and more love, and another baby, and a little more drama, and a couple cross country moves... and more and more and more love and THENNNN came marriage... I dunno if we just had to put each other trough the ringer first or what... But im glad we did. We got all that first 3 years of marriage crap outta the way before we even started... its just smooth sailing now, lol We know each others dreams & goals... faults & flaws... we have better communication than many couples I know (though were still not perfect, i seem to have a texting while angry issue, lol). We still snuggle in bed and he ALWAYS kisses me goodnight... and every now and then he writes me a sweet little love song... We LOOK FORWARD to spending time together because we want to... and not because we have to... and even after all our ups & downs... I love him more and more every day.  He gave me two handsome little men, (and hopefully someday one more, well - HOPEFULLY a girl, but either will do :)  And I just wanted to announce to the world how lucky I am... I always say Zaq saved me... and i still truly feel that way... so baby, heres to the next year, and the year after that... and about 50 more after that... oh, and *cheers* to a crazy weekend in vegas :) My mommy called me last month to see what our plans were. We had none, and hadn't really considered anything. Well, she mentioned meeting us in Vegas and watching the boys for the weekend... PERFECT! So today (yes two days before, lol) I booked us an awesome room @ The Hard Rock Hotel our favorite spot. I spent way too much, but its totally awesome... next time, plan ahead idiot, when i looked last month it was half that price...  Zaq had mentioned the awesomeness of the Supreme City Suite... he was right, it was awesome.

This 700-square-foot room comes with one king custom mahogany and leather sleigh beds with designer bedding. The room features a dark wood floor in the foyer and carpet in the living space as well as a desk and a digital touch-panel jukebox.

The bath area has a porcelain and marble vanity with Grohe bath fixtures, a Rainhead shower with in-shower seat and a handheld wand, and separate cast iron tubs.

Amenities include: Two 40-inch flat screen TVs, DVD player, wireless internet (for a fee),black out drapes, air conditioning, alarm clock, radio, pay-per-view movies,terry robes, minibar... 

I felt like Big Pimpin' just lookin at it...

 well - thanks to you awesome customers for keeping me so busy I said what the hell and went for it. It was only $40 more than the Paradise Towers room that we had last time.... so it was a good deal. Its a special occasion. And - we already agreed that were not getting "gifts" so why not go a little over board... Now - lets just hope the Hard Rock has some special baby making powers... lol Wish us lots of love & luck... and maybe a $50,000 jackpot would be pretty sweet :) Oh, and since its Thursdays Tunes... here's the song we all walked down the isle to at our wedding... It was oh so fun and perfect... listen to the lyrics... it was really strange when i found this song... I have always been obsessed with wishing at 11:11... I have it tattoo'd... and zaq proposed at 11:11... anyways. im rambling. just listen to it... its cute & cheezy :)

Wordless Wednesday - Summer Snack

Ice-cream cones...

missed a spot..... lol

New Giveaway: Amenity Home... one you WON'T want to miss...

Its rare that I can click on a link to a store and say I want everything... but let me tell you... Amenity Home is one of them...

If you havn't ever seen their store, then you are surely in for a treat... until recently, I hadn't... But strolling through twitter (as I do too often, lol) I saw the amazing @SarahSophia tweeting to them about their amazingness, so I had to check it out... I instantly fell in love. 

"Amenity Home offers a wide array of eco-friendly products for thoughtful modern living. At Amenity Home, we are dedicated to the never-ending process of maintaining Amenity's harmony with the environment." They have absolutely everything you could want NEED for the most eco-chic home. They make custom bed frames... linens... organic bedding... stretched canvas prints, and the most amazing throw pillows... 

and lets not forget their amazing organic baby goodies! Blankets, pillows, sheets, wall art, crib bedding and more...

We're absolutely in love with every single thing they have to offer... and when trying to decide what to "review" it was next to impossible... After a long deliberation, we chose the "Woods Organic Baby Blanket".  Deer always make me think of my grandpa who passed away... so there was no doubt that this was the perfect print for us. You should have seen the huge smile on my face when I opened up the box... It was beautiful... perfect... and i was ecstatic. Idyllic scenes are printed with certified organic dyes onto a 300 thread count, organic cotton percale and backed with a soft and cozy organic cotton fleece. It is a size Large Crib Blanket measuring size 34x46 and is valued at $115.  Could it be any cuter? I think not...

So naturally, I just couldn't WAIT to be done with work so I could snuggle Zavery up for pictures... he LOVED it. *spamming pictures here, lol*

I absolutely melted over this shot... can you say - heart breaker!?

BUTTERFLY!

Clearly - we love our new blanket... and to win Zavery's love is a tough task... he is pretty picky when it comes to new blankies... Adorable right? And it gets even better. Outside of bedding & decor, they also have everything baby could need for Bath & Meal time...

And one of you lucky winners will win the Bath Time Package... "Our organic cotton hooded towel combined with four organic cotton washcloths, along with our favorite Little Twig extra mild unscented bath wash and lotion, make this a fun and healthy gift for caring for baby at bath time!" Valued at $79.

One lucky winner will receive this set in your choice of print, in either Ducks or Squirrels. Here is how you win! LOTS of ways to get entries, as well as how to win a $1000 bedroom makeover!


HOW TO WIN! (#1 IS MANDATORY)
#1: Mandatory - Subscribe to the Amenity newsletter... its on the left hand side of their home page.(They will verify this so leave your email address in the comment)
(All below are optional for extra entries!)#2: Follow Amenity Home on Twitter!
#3: Follow RockerByeBaby on Twitter!
#4: Tweet This: (up to once daily)
"Organic Hooded Towel & Bath set ($78 value) by @amenityhome at the @rockerbyebaby blog Comment at link to enter! http://bit.ly/9V4Ikp"
#5: Enter the Amenity Home Facebook Sweepstakes for the $1000 bedroom Giveaway!
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog! (sidebar)
#7: "Like" Amenity Home on facebook!
#8: "Like" RockerByeBaby on Facebook.
#9: Put the Rockerbyebaby flash button on your blog or website. *sidebar*
#10: If you win - would you choose the Ducks or Squirrels print?