Fritzi Marie

The Little Things

2012-02-07T15:21:00.003-08:00

Dearies,

We went on a mini adventure to take our photo's with Roscoe this afternoon.

Roscoe slept through most of it.

Bono Baby was beyond thrilled to get out and about.

Roscoe is gaining weight and I am slowly getting back to my normal self.

It's the little things in life.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Midnight Reads

2012-02-06T09:04:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

We've been having lots of "quiet" time around our neck of the woods.

Bono Baby, Roscoe, and I are reading Emily Martin's new book, Oddfellow's Orphanage.

Daniel surprised us and it was here waiting for us when we returned home from the hospital.

It is super cute, you should pick up a copy for Valentine's Day.

You deserve it.

I was able to put up a few Valentine's Day goodies between feedings and such.

It makes me happy to look at my pretty Valentine treasures when we are up in the middle of the night doing our thing.

I will say this, I have finally let myself relax enough to watch movies that I never allowed myself the time to watch before.

Yesterday I watched Disney's Tangled and today I watched Strictly Ballroom.

I enjoyed them both so much.

Life is getting a little bit easier around here.

My body is feeling better everyday and Roscoe is adorable.

I hope you all have an amazing week.

I've been missing you.

love and hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Let Yourself Forget About It

2012-01-31T16:45:00.001-08:00

Today was Roscoe's official due date.
I am beyond happy that he came a week ago instead.
I actually felt up to taking my Bono Baby out for a walk this morning and I was greeted with sweet surprises in our neighborhood.
Daffodils and Summer Snowflakes waved their hello's from our neighbors yards.
When we made it back home, we realized they were waving from our back yard as well.
They made me think about all the change that a season brings.
My season is changing as I write this.
This past week has been filled with changes.
These past nine months have been all about change.

I think I am finally getting to the good part of all of this change.
My pregnancy was hard, the delivery was awful, and the recovery has been the worst of all.
Being able to get out and take that special walk with my sweet Bono Baby and find that change is happening everywhere, all around me, brought me such comfort.
A dear friend advised me to "let yourself forget about it" and that is what I plan to do.

Here's to the changes that we are challenged with and to the magic they bring along with them.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Roscoe's First Adventure Roadtrip

2012-01-31T09:18:00.005-08:00

Dearies,

Roscoe went on his first adventure trip late last week when we left the hospital.
We drove 4 whole miles to our little Alabama home.
He loved being welcomed by your wishes on his wish tree.
So magical!

My parents were there waiting for him (us) anxiously.

Roscoe met Bono Baby right away and they are still warming up to one another.
Bono has been an only "child" for a long long time (10 years).

My Mommy brought some wrapping paper she had saved from my baby shower (36 years ago) so we could use it to make a sweet welcome banner for our little man.

Thank goodness we made it the night before I went into labor.

Also, Daniel and Dad CJ filled our home with red tulips because they are amazing like that.

I have a feeling our little Roscoe is going to be quite the adventurer.

We can't wait to show him everything.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Welcome To The World Baby Roscoe

2012-01-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Roscoe C Holling Morris

January 23, 2012
8:14 am
8 pounds 15 ounces
21 1/2 inches long

We are so happy.

love love,
Kitty and Dan

Kitty And Her Boys

2012-01-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Dearest Family and Friends,

Just wanted to check in with you and wish you a happy weekend.
I also wanted to let you know that I am going to be taking a break from the Internet for a little bit.
My week has been filled with hospital visits and bed rest and I am ready for this little man to make his debut.
I have a feeling that soon my two boys will become three.

Wishing you all the love in the world.

hugs,
Kitty

p.s. If you need to get in touch with me, Dan will be still be online.

Baby Bookshelves

2012-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

Dearest Friends,

My parents are here.
My house is clean.
My overnight bag is almost packed.
I still have plenty to do but I think I am almost ready for Roscoe to make his grand entrance.
He isn't due until January 31st but I am determined to be prepared.
We did have a scare this morning.
I spent a few hours at the hospital for testing and such.
I think everything is okay, they are just keeping a close watch is all.
For now, I am getting ready to add these baby lit books to Baby Coco's growing collection of board books.
When I worked at The Norton Simon Museum bookstore I fell in love with so many "little people" art books.
I wish I had picked up a few of them back then.
However, it is fun to pick them up now too.

Thank you for all of your sweet thoughts and comments about our little man's room.
We hope he loves it.

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. If I owe you an email or thank you note, I have not forgotten.
I'm just a little behind.
xoxo

A Room Fit For Baby Coco

2012-01-17T08:52:00.003-08:00

Dearies,

I finally got around to taking photo's of Roscoe's little room.

My parents arrive this evening so I figured I better capture the room before they take it over.

I still need to finish the curtains so please forgive.

This special little room is so full of love.

So many of you have sent little bits of happiness to Baby Coco and I love to sit in there and think about all of the family and friends that are already smitten by our little man.

Every item in here holds a story.

I am looking forward to telling Roscoe all of the stories behind his special room.

Thank you sweet friends and family for all you have done to support Daniel and me on this new adventure.

We feel overwhelmed with love and thankfulness.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. If you ever come to visit, you can have a slumber party with Roscoe.

How fun!

Sweet Treats

2012-01-12T16:29:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

I happened upon a stash of photos that I have never seen before of my Daddy.

This discovery makes me so happy.

We are naming Baby Coco after three of the most important men in our lives.

(Daniel's Dad, my Step Dad, and my Daddy)

I've been thinking about these men a lot lately.

I miss my Daddy so much and I hope that Baby Coco has some special characteristic from him.

I will giggle if B. Coco gets a special twinkle in his eye like my Daddy would when a sweet treat entered the room.

I feel so lucky to have found this batch of photo's.

They make my heart happy.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

I Want To Go To Summer Camp

2012-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I think we'll need a baby sitter on May 16th.
I'm planning ahead.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. This video about a bookstore is super cool.

Sequins, Hearts, and Fire Engine Red Nail Polish

2012-01-11T13:20:00.004-08:00

Dear Friends,

I'm still here...pregnant...trying to take it easy until Roscoe makes his big debut.

In the meantime I am taking this poster to heart and trying not to beat myself up over what I haven't been able to finish yet.

Instead, I am resting.

I have my feet up and I am admiring my swollen feeties that were treated to a pedicure this morning.

There is just something so special about having freshly painted red toenails.

I feel like a pretty princess.

I spent some time picking out presents for Daniel for Valentine's Day this morning. I picked out a few for Roscoe too.

I just couldn't help myself.

I can't wait to decorate for the holiday in the next couple of weeks.

Sparklie hearts, sequins, and doilies make me so happy.

I also can't wait to attempt to make this Balsamic Strawberry Butter Cake.

I've been busy working on projects between naps and grumps.

Some of them are top secret gifts but I have also been busy making curtains and gathering supplies to make my own version of these dishtowels.

My stove needs some pretty to hang from it.

Do you have any projects that you have been working on?

I'd love to hear about them.

I've been missing you all so much.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Adventure Awaits

2012-01-05T19:39:00.002-08:00

Dearest Friends,

I am so sorry I have been absent lately.
I've been busy sleeping, working on the shops, and finishing up projects.
I have a big deadline to make.
Baby Coco is expected to arrive on January 31st but I hope to have everything finished by the time my parents arrive in a little over a week.
Do you guys give yourself deadlines too?

Please forgive me for the boring talk and know that I am thinking of you all and cheering you on from Alabama.

much love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. My dear friend Amanda wrote a blog post about what she made Baby Coco for his sweet little nursery. Go visit her here.
I am hoping to share his special room with you in the next week or so.
hugs.

Good Luck Traditions

2012-01-01T14:03:00.002-08:00

Daniel made our traditional good luck meal of corn sticks, black-eyed peas, and collard greens mixed into a pot likker soup today.

I think 2012 just might be our luckiest year yet.
Fingers crossed.

We finished off our lucky 2012 meal with a Bosco bar that we have been saving in our freezer.
It is after all our year to welcome our Roscoe into the world.

Did you have a traditional good luck meal today?

love love,
Fritzi Marie

2011 In A Nutshell

2011-12-31T12:04:00.005-08:00

Dearest Friends,

I have decided that this year has been one of my hardest but it has also been one of my most memorable. I sat down last night to make a list of our 2011 highlights and I thought I would document it here.
But first, I must say that this was my year to be surprised.
We started off the year with no plans to have children and I was determined to make it the year of the fire engine.
Dan and I were going to face our upcoming 40's in style and travel the world together, without children.
In May we found out we were pregnant and we didn't really believe it until we went to two doctors.
This sounds silly but we spent the next few months after that in fear of both losing the baby and losing our independence.
It was a hard time for us.
When we found out we were having a boy, things started to seem a little more real.

With that, here is my "In A Nutshell" list for 2011.
Our lucky year.

We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.
We moved into a home and neighborhood that we love and we had fun decorating it.
One of our favorite people graduated high school and received a mission call to South Africa.
Bono Baby celebrated his 10th birthday with a bang.
(Dan celebrated his 39th and I celebrated my 36th)
We made new friends.
We lost a few friends too.
I fell more in love with my husband.
I went to DisneyLand (my favorite place) with my baby brother.
I mended relationships that were important to me.
We made a baby!
We went to our first Doo Nanny festival.
We fell MORE in love with Alabama.
We went camping in the Smokies while I was 6 months pregnant.
I almost finished my mile long (to do before baby arrives) list.

While this year has been a quiet year for us, I am so proud of myself for what I have been able to accomplish.
Pregnancy is nothing like I thought it would be.
To be honest, I've decided it is the hardest thing I have ever gone through.
Roscoe will be our only child and we are really starting to look forward to the adventures that await us in the years to come.
Thank you for being such a special part of our lives.
Your support and comments have helped me so much.
I have felt loved and cared for this year.
I feel blessed to know you all.

Happy 2012 dear friends.
May all our wishes come true this year.

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Sometimes we don't know what we really wish for and instead they are surprises.
Isn't that wonderful?

Is This Really Happening To Me?

2011-12-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

Dearies,

How are you?
How was your Christmas holiday?
Are you getting excited about New Years?

I've been having a hard time in my neck of the woods.
It seems that my back, hips, and legs have decided to stop working properly.
The discomfort and frustration has really worn me out and I must admit I've been a little bit down.
My heart wants to go out and explore with my Daniel and Bono Baby.
I want to have the energy to work on my projects.
I want to nest but my body has different plans.
Not nice!

I'm not asking for advice here just wishing that my energy would come back.
I still can't believe that we are having a baby.
It doesn't seem real.

Dan is taking me on a date this afternoon to a movie show.
I hope I can make it to my seat.

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

My Happy Christmas Boys

2011-12-25T09:08:00.005-08:00

Dearies,

Merry Christmas.

We hope you are having a lovely time with your family and friends this weekend.

We've been a bit lonely here in Alabama, but we are doing our best to keep our Christmas spirits up.

Bono Baby loves loves loves Christmas.

He doesn't care where he celebrates it as long as he gets his traditional gift of bouncy squeaker balls.

While we wish we could be with our family this year, we are looking forward to doing all we can to make Christmas in California and Washington happen for Baby Coco's first Christmas.

We want you all to know how much we care for you.

You, our dear friends and family, mean the world to us.

Merry Christmas.

love love,

Kitty, Daniel, and Bono Baby

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-22T13:00:00.004-08:00

Merry Christmas Dearies.

We ventured outside of our Christmas hideaway to do some treasure hunting this afternoon.
Treasure hunting always puts a pep in my step and I needed some pep.
I had a little mini scare earlier this week.
It ended up being next to nothing but it put the scare into me and really wore me out.
So I've been taking more naps and working on more projects for Baby Coco.

Here's my little list of the happy things I want to do before Baby Coco arrives:

Save my pennies to buy him this sassy pillow.
Go on a date with my Daniel to see a movie and eat an avocado sandwich at a local eatery.
Finish making his nursery pretty.
Go with my friend Jill to get manicures and pedicures
(It bugs me when people call them mani pedi's).
Pack our overnight bags and diaper bags.
Finish my to do list.
And spend lots of time with my Bono Baby of course.

Do you think I am missing anything?

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Daniel is making cookies today and I have been nibbling on fudge that my niece and nephew helped make. I think Baby Coco is pretty happy about it all.

Our Low Key Christmas In Alabama

2011-12-20T08:35:00.008-08:00

Dan and I decided to go rather low key when it came to Christmas decorating this year.
Preparing for Baby Coco to arrive is a little bit more important right now.
I hope to add some vintage bulbs to this glitter wreath next year.
I think it needs some color.

Here is our tree in all of its magical wonder.
Daniel decorated it this year.
I was too tired, so he let me tell him which ornaments went on the front and which ones went on the back of the tree.
We have all of the ornaments from our youth, a collection of vintage ornaments, collected ornaments from where we have vacationed, and every year we buy one ornament together.
We like for our tree to be dripping with sentiment and memories of Christmases past.

These red votives were my Grandma McLard's.
Every time I see a cardinal (my Grandma's favorite bird) I like to think that she sent him my way to say hello to me.
These votives remind me of that.
Dan and I bought the stockings for one another when we were dating.
The mini stockings are for Bono Baby and Baby Coco.

Dan's Mom would set up this little village every year when he was growing up.
I like to imagine that Daniel would sneak over to rearrange the little town when his Mom wasn't looking.

This blue ornament is my favorite to look at this year.
Our friend Amanda painted a portrait of Bono Baby on it and sent it to us for Christmas last year.
It looks exactly like Bono when he gets out of the bath.
I adore it.

This plastic snowman is another favorite.
It was one of the only ornaments my Mommy had on her tree when she was growing up on a farm in Missouri.

I also adore this little Santa man.

My Mommy bought him for me for my first Christmas.

He just melts my heart.

Do you go down memory lane every year as you decorate your tree?

It is one of my very favorite Christmas traditions.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

White Elephant Party Goodies

2011-12-19T14:06:00.003-08:00

Our friends invited us over for a White Elephant Christmas Celebration party last weekend.
Both Daniel and I came home with the white Christmas gifts we wanted most.
I fell in love with the cheesy snowman plate.
I just so happen to have a small collection of silly Christmas plates.
They make me happy.

Daniel was able to secure this 1984 Michael Jackson glove belt buckle.
We can't wait to take Baby Coco to Pike Place Market to get a leather belt to attach it too.

The reason I was so drawn to this silly plate was because my Auntie Lillie always serves a slab of cream cheese drenched in salsa at our family Christmas parties.

This plate was perfect for continuing the tradition.

We had chips and salsa and cream cheese too for lunch.

It was fabulous.

Happy Monday Wishes.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Bono B. Shenanigans

2011-12-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

We caught Bono Baby snooping under the tree tonight.
We don't think he will be able to make it through six more days of waiting to open his gifts.
Patience is not his thing.
How cute is that?

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Flea Market Finds

2011-12-18T12:28:00.002-08:00

A little while ago I found this purse at an estate sale here in Auburn.
It had never been used and they were asking ten dollars for it.
Normally, I wouldn't pay that much for a purse at an estate sale but I fell in love with it.
When I went to purchase it they told me it had been mismarked and they sold it to me for a dollar.
Nice!

We went on a little adventure drive after church today and took some photo's to share with you of downtown Opelika.

I hope you all get a chance to take a mini adventure over the holiday break.
Sometimes, just quickly pulling over to see something that catches your eye can boost your spirits.
Today, I looked down and saw this pretty brick.

Here's to the details and finding lovely purses for next to nothing.

Happy Sunday.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Holiday Adventure Prep

2011-12-16T10:17:00.002-08:00

Happy Weekend Wishes Dear Friends.

Daniel and I are staying in Alabama for the holidays.

I am no longer able to travel thanks to Baby Coco.

We just realized that this is our last month together as a family of three.

So we have big plans to spend our weekend making every arrangement

to stay home to spend our holiday break cuddling with Bono Baby and each other.

We are running errands, paying bills and doing all of our grocery shopping

so we can "bunker" down.

We've decided to think of it as preparing to be snowed in while vacationing in a mountain cabin.

How romantic and magical, yes?

We are in for an adventure!

love and hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. This typography art print is from the amazing Ashley G.

Christmastime Has Come

2011-12-15T10:01:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

Christmas time finally seems like it has made its way to our home.

We finished packing up all of our packages, letters, and gifts to family and friends.

I can't wait to go see my post office friends this afternoon to send all of this Christmas joy out into the world.

Daniel decorated the tree this year (I was too tired) and I think he did a fabulous job.

I let myself off the hook and only sent Christmas cards to my Aunties and Uncles this year.

My favorite part of this morning is that I finished this commissioned sock monkey and I love how it turned out.

So charming.

Now we are off to another appointment where I plan to work on more sock monkeys.

Did I mention that we have had one visit to the hospital, two doctors appointments, a dentist appointment, a physical therapy visit and a tour of the maternity ward this week?

The only good thing about a week of doctors appointments is that I have been finishing monkeys while waiting in the waiting room.

I hope the Christmas spirit has hit in your neck of the woods too.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. If you need some help getting into the spirit of things, give this a listen. hugs.

Post Office Friends Make The World A Happier Place

2011-12-14T07:05:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

I love making care packages.

Two of the reasons I run two (soon to be three) online shops is because I love sending pretty out into the world and I adore my friends at the post office.

We drive ten miles out of our way to go to the post office we like.

The post office that is two miles away from us is awful.

Both Daniel and I would rather have a pleasant experience with dear postal friends then leave feeling like deflated anger balls.

Today, dear friends, is our day to finish packing up orders, Christmas packages and many many letters.

I am going to feel so much better when I go to see my post office friends and send all sorts of pretty out into our world.

I hope you have pleasant postal experiences this week.

You deserve to leave feeling like a pretty princess after putting all that love and work into your mail.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I'm getting my hair done today and I am so excited!

Our Own Little Roscoe

2011-12-13T08:36:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

Most of you already know this but Baby Coco's real name is Roscoe.

We are naming him after his Granddaddy Morris (Danie'ls Father).

We can't wait to see Roscoe and Bono Baby together.

Anyhow, I was thrilled when I saw that Emily Martin announced her free Christmas download of one of her fabulous paper dolls.

I was even more excited when I noticed that the puppy featured is named Roscoe.

How cute!

Now head on over to her blog and print up a copy.

So adorable!

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. At birthing class last night the nurse told us that we could go into labor at anytime and I about freaked out.

Fingers crossed that Roscoe is on time and not super early.
I have too many to do's that need to be crossed off of my list before he arrives.

Flea Market Finds Inspired By Kindred Spirits

2011-12-10T15:12:00.004-08:00

I've been hoarding my treasures lately and forgetting to share them with you.

A month or so ago I ran into this framed print at a yard sale. I snatched it up for one dollar.

It means so much to me.

When I was growing up in Monrovia, California, I lived across the street from sweet Mildred.

But, it wasn't until my 20s that I had the chance to really get to know her.

Her husband passed away around the same time that my Daddy passed away.

She used to wave at me from her front window as I came and went.

Eventually, we would run errands together and have long chit chats about her life.

She had an amazing life and her sassy spirit called out to mine.

A painting just like this one hung in her house next to the window that framed my childhood home when you looked outside. It fascinated me so.

Mildred passed away a month or so after Daniel and I were married.

I stood on my parents front yard and watched as the paramedics wheeled her to the ambulance.

She sat up, clutching her purse in her lap, and waved goodbye to me.

I cried.

I have this print up in our bedroom bathroom.

Our little shelf across from it holds another treasure (this postcard was found while living in Mississippi).

That sassy young lady in the yellow swimsuit reminds me of my dear friend Mildred. She inspires me everyday.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Patriarch Chair

2011-12-10T09:56:00.001-08:00

Last spring while out treasure hunting at The Possum Trot Auction in Seale, Alabama, Daniel and I picked up this seat less chair for two dollars.

You see we were inspired by Natalie Chanin's friendship chairs from her book, Alabama Studio Style and Butch Anthony's chairs in his amazing home which you can read about in the New York Times here.

We were also short one chair at our dining room table.

We didn't want to use just any old ties.

We like for every item in our home to hold sentiment and tell a story.

So, we spent our summer gathering up ties from my Daddy, my Father-in-Law, my Step dad Dad CJ, and Daniel.

We finally finished it a few weeks ago and have named it our Patriarch chair.

I love to look at it and see ties that my favorite men have worn in the past.

I feel like each tie has seen so much.

I wish they could tell me their story.

I imagine that my Daddy's saw a lot of dono crumbs.

He loved is doughnuts.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Ta Done

2011-12-09T14:41:00.002-08:00

Happy Weekend Dearies

I just had to share this photo of my sister time last weekend.

Things are getting back to normal here though we are still sad that the girls went home.

Dan gave his last final today so Christmas break officially starts tomorrow when he turns in grades.

We have big plans to start decorating for Christmas this weekend.

Then we are hitting our to do lists big time.

There is a lot to do before Baby Coco arrives and I am determined to have every little thing on my list crossed off.

I love scratching a big ol' line through a task on my list.

Here's to a lovely weekend filled with holiday cheer.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Baby Coco's nursery is almost finished.

I can't wait to share it with you.

We Adore You

2011-12-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I have been hiding out from the camera for much of the past 8 months.
He welcomed the break and I wasn't feeling very photogenic.
My sisters wanted to document my 8 month pregnancy "look" so I went with it.
I'm happy I did because this photo isn't so bad.
(Don't worry we have hair appointments set for next week.)

We want to thank you all for your love and support during these past months.
Every comment, email, love note in the mailbox, and encouraging word has made this journey so much easier for us.
We think you are all so wonderful.

much love,
Daniel and Kitty

p.s. I am so excited because we are getting ready to decorate for the holiday.
Just waiting for Dan to finish grading papers and finals.
I can't wait.

Baby Coco's Wish Shower

2011-12-07T18:58:00.003-08:00

Dearies,

Last weekend my dear friend Jill and my sisters Buffy and Annie threw Baby Coco a wish shower.

You may have seen a glimpse of the amazing invitations that Jill designed here.

I also shared a sneak peak of Baby Coco's wish tree that continues to bloom with wishes (thanks to you) every day.

Jill wrote up a lovely post about the shower here.

She is so much better than I am at describing the event.

I thought I would instead share some of my favorite details.

My Mommy helped me make the doily banners when she was visiting last month.

We tied vintage hankies around the mason jars.

Thirty six years ago my Auntie Alma gave this planter to my Mommy when she was at the hospital delivering me.

It sat on my bookshelf for most of my youth and I always daydreamed about it sitting in my own child's room one day.

Jill fashioned this lovely nest for gifts out of a vintage familial suitcase. I love that she made a little treasure banner for it (you all know I love treasure hunting).

My sisters got to work as soon as they arrived hanging lanterns and adding little special touches.

Annie and I went back and forth about whether or not to tie the little bows on the light fixture.

Annie was right, they looked adorable.

This is some of the food.

A number of my friends brought AMAZING dishes and they overflowed onto another space.

I felt so overwhelmed with love and support from all my friends.

It was magical.

Sadly, I wore myself out running around that morning so I sat for most of the shower.

My friends brought me goodies and I used my tummy as a resting spot for my special drink.

Buffy worked her magic on the drinks.

She even added frozen grapes and strawberries.

Fancy.

When everyone left they were given a vintage inspired hankie (because I love hankies and they are so handy) and they tied their wishes for Baby Coco on the wish tree on their way out.

It was lovely and magical and all the special little details turned out just like I hoped and imagined they would.

I felt so loved and supported and cared for.

Baby Coco is going to be so excited to meet so many Aunties and friends when he arrives.

I wish you all could have been with us to celebrate.

Send Baby Coco a wish here if you like.

I'll tie it to his wish tree.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Our Lonely House Of Three

2011-12-06T15:59:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

My silly (beautiful) sisters, Annie and Buffy went home this morning.

We are so sad.

I love having my home filled with family and friends and I always get sad when they leave.

I think Bono Baby gets even more down than I do.

He spent his day sleeping.

I'm trying to decide if he is depressed or just plain tuckered out from having so much sister time.

This was our last weekend together before Baby Coco arrives.

We spent it having late night chit chats, taking walks in our jammies, painting our nails, shopping, going to Dan's poetry reading, having an amazing baby shower, dining, and road tripping to The Possum Trot to treasure hunt.

It was a magical weekend and I wish it could have lasted forever.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. The winner for the Hats, Hats, and More Hats Giveaway is Tiffany and the winner for the Happy Birthday, Amanda Dear Giveaway is Marty.

Congratulations sweet friends.

Baby Wishes

2011-12-05T07:24:00.002-08:00

Dearest Friends,

Over the weekend my sisters Annie and Buffy and my dear friend Jill joined forces to throw Baby Coco an amazing shower.
I'll be sharing details with you all week.
It was beautiful.
Anyhow, my favorite thing about the shower was the wish tree in my front yard.

We asked all of my friends to write a wish to Coco on a card an hang it on the wish tree as they left.

I love looking out the window and watching all of the wishes flutter in the wind.
I would love it if you (my friends who were unable to make it to the shower) could tell me your wishes for Baby Coco and I will tie them to the wish tree for you.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. I am still having so so so so much fun with my sisters!

Sunday Bump

2011-12-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Dearies,

I'm just popping in to say that I am having so much fun with my sisters.
I'll share our adventures after they leave.

Happy Sunday Wishes.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. I think my belly is getting bigger every day.

Sisters

2011-12-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Dearies,

My sisters are coming to visit.
They arrive tonight and I am over the moon excited.
I've been humming Sisters from White Christmas for days.
I hope to one day talk them into reenacting it with me for a family talent show.
That would be pretty classic.
Anyhow, I am looking forward to a weekend filled with slumber party goodness with my two beautiful sisters.
I am so lucky!

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Do you have sisters?
Do you get along?
I think all sisters have their "moments".

Happy Birthday Amanda Dear Giveaway

2011-11-30T11:37:00.001-08:00

Today is my dear friend Amanda Atkin's birthday.
Happy Happy Birthday, Beautiful Amanda!
Two of my dearest friends are women that I have never met face to face.
Amanda is one of them.
Every time I get down on my blog I remind myself of my Amanda and Lindsey friends and how this blogging world is what introduced us.
There is so much magic in this silly world we live in.

To celebrate Amanda's special day, I will be giving away one of her new The Stars And The Moon Vintage-Inspired Postcard Packs to a lucky winner.
Cultivate your friendships with letter writing, pretty stationary, and cups of tea says me.
To enter please stop by Amanda's blog and wish her a happy birthday.
Then come back and let me know which of her paintings (from her Etsy shop, Amanda Atkins In A Canary Forrest) you love the most.
Bono Baby will pick a winner next Tuesday.

Here's to celebrating magical friendships.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Don't forget to put your name in the "HAT" for the pink beanie giveaway too.

Hats, Hats, and More Hats Giveaway

2011-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Dearies,

It is chilly in our neck of the woods which makes me so happy.
I love wearing hats and scarfs and mittens too.
Wes crochets amazing hats and sells them in his shop, Bandaloop Gardens.
My favorite thing about Wes and his shop is that he learned to crochet from his Grandmother.
Isn't that sweet?

He takes custom orders and makes hats for everyone in the family.
How cute is Jill's sweet little family?

Wes made a special pink hat just for one of you.
For a chance to win, check out his shop and let us know what hat you would choose for a custom order.
I love thinking about all the color possibilities.

We'll have one of Jill's little men pick a winner next Monday.

love love,
Fritzi Marie and Jill

p.s. The hat will come with a few other goodies too.
We can't help ourselves.

Christmas Kick Start

2011-11-25T19:44:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

I hope you are recovering from your Thanksgiving festivities.
We had a lovely time with friends and we ended up eating way too much.
But, it was so good and the company was precious.
The perfect way to spend Thanksgiving when you are so far from home.
Today we started listening to A Very She and Him Christmas and reading David Sedaris's Holiday On Ice. We are waiting to decorate but the holiday movie marathon starts tonight with Elf.
I figure Elf is the perfect movie to get us in the Christmas spirit.
What do you do to start the holiday season off on the right foot?

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Wizards, Mermaids, Travelers, and Adventurers

2011-11-23T19:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving.
We hope you are safely tucked in with family and friends for this holiday weekend.
Daniel took me on a date to see Hugo this evening.
It was a magical film and a lovely night with my dear husband.
We even had the theater all to ourselves.
If you have a chance to go to the theater over the weekend, see Hugo.
I think it will make your heart happy.

Wishing you love,
Fritzi Marie, Daniel, and Bono Baby

A Note From The Bono B.

2011-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I am so happy that Thanksgiving is this week.
I love Turkey.
I also love taking field trips to campus and running around with my people.
Kitty doesn't run much anymore but Daniel still does (thank goodness).
It almost makes me want to wear my Auburn t-shirt and I don't like wearing clothes very much.

Happy Thanksgiving.

love,
Bono Baby

This World Is Just Me And You

2011-11-22T13:06:00.003-08:00

Dearest Friends,

A few days ago a sweet sweet friend sent me this book filled with inspirational prints.

This thoughtful gesture came at just the right time for me.

I needed to be reminded that things will be okay.

The print on the cover of this little book reminded us of this song by The Descendents.

It also reminded me of one of my Daniel's poems, Following The Day.

Following The Day

I feel sad for him,

that dead German shepherd

on the right shoulder

next to a driveway

on 97, south of Okanogan.

Its people, gone, perhaps think

that he's happy,

running through orchards that wall in

their house, this road.

These trees fade to fields

of wheat cropped short

like a crew cut and yellow

as summer. I drove this road

to see where it went. A hamburger

in Wilbur, Vanilla Coke in Omak.

All in the rearview now

with that shepherd, apple trees, yellow

wheat. Grand Coulee, Spokane

miles away.

Over the speakers, Milo Aukerman

sings everything's going to be okay.

Dan Morris

Daniel is home for the week and having him here seems to be calming me down.
Oh, how lucky I am to have him and Bono Baby in my world.
Tis the season to count our blessings and my cup runneth over with gratitude for my family and friends.

Here's to small reminders that indeed, everything will be okay.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. I found that little owl at an estate sale a few weeks ago.
We have an owl who visits our backyard ever so often so I like to call this little guy our Alabama Owlie.

Baby Coco's First Party

2011-11-20T14:12:00.003-08:00

Dearies,

I am starting to get really excited because soon my sisters will be visiting us in Alabama. They have big plans to help my dear friend Jill thow Baby Coco a baby shower.

I am so in love with the invitations and I had to share them with you.

Jill made them.

She takes custom orders in her Etsy shop, Predilections.

She has mad skills.

Baby Coco's nursery is coming along.

Actually it is getting cuter everyday.

I wish I could invite you all over to celebrate with me.

Happy Sunday, Dearies.

I adore you.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Old To New

2011-11-19T10:17:00.004-08:00

While out treasure hunting last fall we found this photo of the Dionne Quintuplets.

I gave it to Butch Anthony to work his magic.

This is what he came up with.

Love it!

It just so happens to be for sale in our friends shop, Southern Folk Art.

I love when artists can bring something old and forgotten back to life.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I found some pretty fabulous finds while out treasure hunting with my Mommy during her visit.

She is an estate sale good luck charm.

I'll share them with you soon.

Alabama After Dark

2011-11-19T09:29:00.002-08:00

Dearies,

Our adventuring has slowed down a bit but we are still fitting in a little.

Daniel went to see one of our favorite Alabama bands, Doc Dailey & Magnolia Devil.

I am finding that I am feeling my worst at night so I stayed home and cuddled up with the Bono Baby.

Sweet Daniel sent me photo's from his iPhone and we listened to their CD when he came home.

I did however venture out last night to sit by the fire with friends at The Possum Trot.

I love sitting in Butch's chairs which are carved with sayings like Sit, Think, and Dream.

Butch made hoe cakes.

They were delicious.

It was the perfect way to spend a chilly Alabama evening.

We have big plans to rake our yard and relax for the rest of the weekend.

Wishing you many adventures!

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Butch just made his 100th sale in his Etsy shop, Museum Of Wonder.

So exciting!

You Better Shape Up

2011-11-17T17:56:00.002-08:00

Dear Friends,

I am wishing that I still felt like the woman in these photo's (which were taken 9 months ago).

Instead, I am feeling like there is no way anyone is getting near me with a camera.

I am so worried that I will never look or feel like myself again.

I am having a hard time with just about everything.

One thing that I am having a hard time with is listening to myself complain.

I am also so so so embarrassed about my hormonal outbursts and dramatic fits.

So, I have been doing you all a great favor by staying away from my blog for a bit.

I have however been loving this song by The Lennings.

Tomorrow, I hope to be ready to share happier updates.

I must add that I want to publicly apologize to my Daniel for everything I have said lately.

I am sorry and I love you.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

The Luckiest Of Lucky Days

2011-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Dearies,

I could not let today go by without checking in to wish you the happiest of 11-11-11 wishes.
I have been looking forward to today for years.
I had big plans to throw a fabulous wish dinner party with plenty of glitter, sparkle, and candle light.
I planned on wearing a slinky black satin dress with fancy heels and fishnets.
But, I am finding that Baby Coco is already changing so many things in my life.
Here is a little sneak peak of what has been going on in the nursery this week.
We have been busy working on projects and putting furniture together all week.
We have also been taking lots of naps.
It has been so much fun but I have missed you all.

Here's to a magical night filled with wishes come true.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Under My Skin

2011-11-07T15:03:00.001-08:00

Dearies,

Happy Monday.
I've been having some manic pregnant lady moments and I am pretty embarrassed about it.
I will say this, my Sleater-Kinney girls are helping me through the crazy times when I am on a cleaning frenzy or fretting over my to do lists.

If you find yourself having a "moment" this week, give Wild Flag a listen.
They help.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

2011-11-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dearies,

Bono Baby just turned ten years old.
He's our birthday boy.

He was so happy this morning when he woke up and realized that the house was filled with so many of his special people.
He's decided that everyone is here to celebrate his big birthday.
He even spent some time this morning bed hoping.

We are so in love with our 10 year old Bono Baby.
He makes every day magical.

Happy Birthday Bono Baby!

love love,
Fritzi Marie and Daniel

November Goodness

2011-11-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Happy November Dearies.
Daniel, Bono Baby, and I have been looking forward to this week for a while.
You see, my parents are flying into Atlanta tomorrow and we get them all to ourselves for two whole weeks.

We have big plans to celebrate Thanksgiving (a little bit early) just like we did last year.
These photo's are from our adventures last November.
That belt does not fit around my tummy right now.
The most exciting thing about this visit is that we are going to decorate Baby Coco's little nursery.
My Mommy and I have been looking forward to working on projects and unpacking the crib.

I am so excited.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Not only am I excited about picking up two of my favorite people from the Atlanta airport tomorrow but I also get to go to Ikea and Anthropologie.
Hooray.

Spooky Halloween Wishes

2011-10-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Dear Friends.
I am wishing that I was dressed up like this pretty lady this year.

Instead, Bono Baby is dressed up in his "spooky" jammies and I am wearing my comfies.

We are staying in a handing out trick-or-treat candy while watching It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
I can't wait to snack on roasted pumpkin seeds and left over skittles.

love love,
Fritzi Marie and Bono Baby

Magical Saturday

2011-10-29T19:15:00.002-07:00

Dearies,

We've been having the perfect Saturday.

Filled with beautiful fall weather, lazy naps, and cuddling up with my boys watching movies.

Daniel even treated me to "my new best friend" a Subway turkey sandwich.

Listening to Freelance Whales on repeat.

This song makes me so happy.

Thinking of my sweet friends who came over the other night to do face masks and paint our finger nails.

Working on sock monkeys for friends and Baby Coco too.

Hooray for magical Saturdays.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Get Your Poetry On

2011-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Will just put out the fall 2011 edition of Town Creek Poetry.
I'm going to make some apple cider and sit back and enjoy it over the weekend.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Perk Me Up Trip To The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

Dearies,

Happy Weekend Wishes!

I hope you have had a chance to run out and pick up a pumpkin or two.

We visited the local pumpkin patch yesturday and it was so much fun.

I'm looking forward to carving it this weekend and roasting the pumpkin seeds.

Here I am in all my "sleepy" glory.

Sorry about the "I'm tired post" yesturday.

Right after I wrote it I gave myself a big ol' kick in the bum.

Thank you for standing by me.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Sleepy Head

2011-10-27T13:12:00.007-07:00

Dearies,

I need your help.

I am tired and so frustrated with myself.

I feel like I have been living on our couch these past few days.

What do you do to make yourself get up and go?

I feel like Baby Coco has sucked all of my energy goodness.

Any suggestions are helpful.

I am now going to force myself to get into the shower.

When Daniel gets home, I think I'm going to have him take me out for a turkey sandwich.

Protein should help, right?

Cheer me on, dear friends, I feel like I need your help right now.

Making a baby is hard work.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Bookshelf Of Treasures

2011-10-25T17:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

My sweet Mommy and Dad CJ are coming out to visit (from California) next week.

We have big plans to decorate Baby Coco's little room.

A friend dropped by today and gave me this adorable chihuahua photo and I'm thinking it just might need to go up in Baby C's room.

It is just too cute!

Daniel bought Baby Coco this vintage copy of Bambi last week.

Dan is super excited about the babies bookshelf filling up.

I think our amazon registry/wish list has more books on it than baby things.

I can't wait to see Dan read to our little man.

Happy Tuesday Dearies.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Slumber Party Goodness

2011-10-24T12:06:00.006-07:00

Our dear friend Richard was our first house guest in our new home.

We had a lovely weekend.

Even Bono Baby loved having Richard here.

It took him an evening to warm up to him though.

We took a long walk around campus and spent some time in Dan's office.

Bono B. loves sneaking into Dan's office.

We also went to Syrup Sopping Day at Loachapoka (a nearby town).

We ate all sorts of yummy food and picked up jars of pickled okra, muscadine jelly and local sugar cane syrup.

I'll be honest with you, I wore myself out.

We missed out on a pumpkin carving party because I was tuckered out from all of the excitement.

I guess I need to get used to missing out with Baby Coco's arrival quickly approaching.

There was no way I was going to miss out on spending time with my Daniel and dear friend Richard.

Worn out or not.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I am in my 3rd trimester.

They tested me for gestational diabetes this morning and I am doing great.

Thank goodness.

Perfect Fall Weekend

2011-10-24T11:51:00.003-07:00

Happy Monday Sweet Friends.

I am still recovering from our busy weekend.

Daniel and Richard gave a lovely poetry reading at our local bookstore, The Gnu's Room.

The reading was set up to celebrate Richards new chapbook which was released last week.

Will and his sweet wife Michelle drove down from Atlanta and we spent the night catching up.

Daniel, Richard, Will, and Michelle were classmates at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Both Daniel and Richard were amazing.

Here we are, old friends reunited.

Our new friends, Jill and David were there too.

It was a perfect fall friday night filled with homemade chile, friends--new and old--brown apple betty, poetry, and sweet memories.

I wish you all could have been there.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. There are copies of Daniel and Richard's chapbooks for sale in my shop.

Poetry And Old Friends

2011-10-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Weekend Wishes Dearies.

I hope you have fabulous plans for this special fall weekend.

Daniel and our friend Richard are giving a poetry reading at our local bookstore, The Gnu's Room.

If you are in the Auburn area, you should stop by.

I love when Daniel gives poetry readings.

We also have some of our dear friends coming in to town for a visit.

I love reuniting with old friends.

I also love having house guests.

love. love. love.

Bono Baby on the other hand does not.

We are going to have a long talk about being nice to visitors.

Here's to making new friends but keeping the old.

love and hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Snippets and Such

2011-10-20T07:52:00.004-07:00

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you some snippets from our camping trip in the Smoky Mountains.

It already feels like it happened so long ago.

We were able to reserve our favorite camp site, which sits next to Little River.

I love listening to the river as I drift off to sleep.

We picnicked in Cades Cove.

I think Bono Baby remembered last year's picnic.

He was super thrilled to share funky potted meats with Daniel.

We collected acorns from our campsite.

We also made smores and ate yummy tin foil dinners.

We were there for the peak of fall and the leaves were beautiful.

We saw 6 bears, wild turkey, deer, two herons, chipmunks, a cute raccoon, and many sweet little puppies.

It was a magical weekend.

It is hard for me to imagine what our next trip to the Smokies will be like.

We will have Baby Coco with us then.

We can't wait to share with him all of our favorite places.

Oh, the adventures we will have.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Magical Camping Trip

2011-10-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dearies,

We are home from our camping adventure in The Smokies.
It was an amazing weekend.
I'll share more later.
I've decided that I won't be leaving town until Baby Coco is born in late January.
The eight hour drive was a bit much for me and I will be spending my day doing all that I can to de-bloat.
Any suggestions?
I hope you all had a beautiful fall weekend.
I plan to spend my Tuesday packing up orders for the shops, doing oh, so much laundry, editing photo's, de-bloating and resting up.
I will say this, camping was harder to do while 6 months pregnant but I wouldn't have missed out on the adventure for anything.
It was magical.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Celebration Sale

2011-10-13T12:16:00.002-07:00

We just realized that this month is our shop's two year anniversary.
How exciting!
The above photo is of the "little man" that our Baby Coco is being named after.
He is also the face of our shop, Fritzi Marie Vintage.
Anyhow, we wanted to celebrate so we are offering our friends, family, and readers a chance to get 25% off of anything in the shop for the next week.
If you have had your eye on some treasure go ahead and use the coupon code BABYCOCO to get your discount.

All proceeds from this sale will go towards the purchase of these shoes.
Baby Coco's future wardrobe would not be complete without them.
I think you all know that we are obsessed with fancy footwear around here.

Have I told you lately how much I love our little shop.
I love love love sending treasure out into the world.
It makes my heart happy.
Thank you so much for supporting us and our treasure hunting adventures for the past two years.
We adore you.

Happy Weekend Dearies.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Dreamy Adventures On The Horizon

2011-10-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

Dearies,

Happy day, sweet friends.
I've been feeling like this little creature and I have a lot in common as of late.
I feel like I look like a chubby (but cute) ball with little legs that poke out.
My belly is growing rounder and bigger every day.
Anyhow, we are gearing up for our grand camping adventure to the Smokies so I won't be around for a bit.
It is going to be nice to unplug and leave the worries of the world behind for an outdoor adventure.
I can't wait to share our photo's next week.
I am so excited!

love love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. I was watching this video and the little boy reminds me of what Baby Coco will be like (minus the fur).
I can't wait to hold his hand.
Goodness, I am sentimental lately.
hugs.

Year Of The Fire Engine Revival

2011-10-10T18:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

How was your weekend?

I'm sorry I didn't pop in to say hello.

I am 6 months pregnant today and my little world seems to be a roller coaster of emotions.

I gifted myself this little Emily Martin note card set last week because I desperately need to be reminded that I am the bee's knees right now (I also love how she styled this photograph, it makes me happy).

At the beginning of this lucky year, 2011, I declared it to be my Year Of The Fire Engine.

I laugh about that now and joke that my Year Of The Fire Engine got me pregnant.

Truly though, I've been going from extreme highs to extreme lows over the weekend.

Most of my extreme highs involve my husband and Bono Baby.

I will suddenly feel overwhelmingly blessed for all that I have.

I see my Daniel in a whole new light and I fall in love with him all over again every 30 minutes, it seems.

Bono Baby gets prettier every day.

I am amazed by how generous and loving my family and friends are to my little family.

Then there are my low moments were I feel like the biggest slug.

I go into these long self loathing fits where I am frustrated with just about everything about myself.

Why do I do that to myself?

Why do we all do that to ourselves?

I need to find a way to feel like a Fire Engine even though I am 6 months into making a Baby Coco.

I'm not sure how to make those low moments go away right now but just sitting down and writing this to you is helping me.

I am going to go wash my hair (with the fancy shampoo) and attempt to paint my toenails.

I'm even going to wear my fancy silk robe around the house for the evening.

It's fancy pants time.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I want you all to know that I truly believe that you are the bee's knees.

You are Fire Engines always.

hugs

Tiptoeing Around Headstones With Your Mister Man

2011-10-07T19:01:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

Just popping in to wish you a happy weekend.

Daniel has been taking me out on date nights this week.

Last night we went on the Lantern Tour in our favorite Auburn cemetery, Pine Hill Cemetery.

Probably one of my favorite date nights since we moved to Alabama.

Imagine walking hand in hand with your special someone through the cemetery at night and learning more about the people who are buried there.

It was fabulous.

Tonight's date wasn't too shabby either, we went to a little eatery called Amsterdam Cafe for crab cakes and lobster with butternut squash bisque and to a poetry reading.

Daniel and I have a lot of date nights to get in before Baby Coco arrives.

We have a hard enough time leaving Bono Baby behind for a few hours, leaving a baby must be even harder.

Anyhow, here's to a magical fall weekend.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I danced in the middle of the street with a lady who was wearing a bonnet and hoop skirt last night.
She thought Baby Coco needed to jiggle around a bit.
I think she was right.

It Is Up To Me

2011-10-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Jill is participating in 31 Days of Joy right now.

I'm too "out of sorts" to officially participate now but I am so grumpy that I think I need to make a list of what brings me joy today.

1. Spending the morning with a friend working on projects.

2. A veggie subway sandwich for lunch.

3. Taking a long morning time walk with my Bono Baby.

4. Getting my bangs trimmed.

5. My sweet husband who is making dinner for our dinner party tonight while I am laying on the couch writing this list.

6. My sweet postal worker friends telling me I looked beautiful today.

7. Going to the soda store and receiving the best customer service ever!

8. Apple Brown Betty cooking in the crock pot.

9. Talking to my Mommy on the phone and having her tell me that she wants Baby Coco to call her Momo (So she can say Momo for Coco)

10. Looking forward to having friends over for dinner.

(I'm going to go help now).

I grew up looking at a magnet on my parents fridge that read:

Joy

If it is to be,

it is up to me.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. What makes you feel joyful today?

Loopy Lou's

2011-10-04T08:49:00.003-07:00

Dearies,

We are preparing for our yearly camping trip to The Great Smoky Mountains.

When we found out that we were moving back to the south, the thing we were most excited about was continuing our autumn camping tradition in the Smokies. This year will be a little bit different since I will be 6 months pregnant but it will be a glorious time just the same.

Anyhow, I've been thinking up projects to do while sitting around the campfire.

I'm going to work on sock monkeys for the shop and polishing up my crocheting skills.

You see when I was 28, I spent a summer working for a Girl Scout Camp in Park City, Utah.

I taught many young ladies how to make these crocheted hats.

My skills are rusty now so I am taking this class presented by Crafty Minx.

(Daniel is taking it too, how fun)

You should take it as well.

It's free.

I put the button on my sidebar to help remind you to get your crochet on.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

I'm Nesting Over Here

2011-10-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

I am turning into a pregnant lady cliche'.
I'm determined to have my home organized, shops filled, projects finished and gifts sent out before Baby Coco arrives in January.
To do so, I have to work on my goal everyday and I can't stop thinking about my to do list.
Well, I saw this organizational project over on Pinterest and my busy body heart had to hop to it.

My Mommy collects vintage sewing notions for me when she goes to yard sales in California.
The embroidery thread is always a hot mess.
While watching a movie with my boys last night, I turned that hot mess into a pretty mess.
I can't wait to start my embroidery projects now.

If you have an embroidery floss mess, try this out.
All you do is wrap the thread around a clothespin and clip the end of the thread into the mouth of the pin.
You'll be so happy afterwards.
I promise.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Flea Market Finds

2011-10-03T11:51:00.003-07:00

There was a neighborhood yard sale in the historical district of Opelika, Alabama this weekend.

It was a treasure chest of Saturday morning goodness.

I am in love with these crocheted pot holders.

They match my kitchen.

This sweet little brown bear honeypot is already listed in the shop.

You see, I have an embarrassing confession, I recently unpacked nearly 100 items that need to be listed in the shop.

I am determined to have them listed before Baby Coco arrives.

Point is, I am trying to list things right after I find them.

I am a work in progress.

This deck of Pan Am England cards made my heart happy because I am now hooked on the show Pan Am.

Did you see the first episode last week?

I also found this adorable little owl (available here) and this book of poetry (the cover reminded me of the home on The Royal Tenenbaums) and a fresh stack of library cards for projects.

This mushroom canister is available as well.

I found many little items like doilies, hankies, scraps of fabric and vintage doll dresses for upcoming projects.

Speaking of projects, I found a few more items that are already mid-project.

I'll share them soon.

I hope you found some goodies this weekend too.

It is the perfect time of year to treasure hunt.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Check out the fabulous treasure on Her Library Adventures and Apron Thrift Girl.

Keats And Yeats Are On Your Side

2011-10-02T17:27:00.005-07:00

Dearies,

How was your weekend?

We ended our (busy) weekend with a walk through one of our favorite local cemeteries.

Daniel and I love walking around cemeteries when the weather is cooler.

You see that tall brick headstone in the left corner of this photo?

Inside, a man is buried, Lying on his feather bed and his shoes are neatly placed beneath it.

We walked and talked and listened to The Smiths, Cemetery Gates on Dan's fancy phone while we explored.

Because we could.

If you live in the Auburn, Alabama, area, you need to check out the Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour which is taking place this Thursday and Friday from 7-9pm.

We are so excited about it.

Tickets are available at the gates.

"And I meet you at the cemetery gates."

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. We found some fabulous treasure over the weekend. The historical district in downtown Opelika was having a neighborhood yardsale.

I'll share them with you tomorrow.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Time

2011-09-30T15:27:00.004-07:00

Dearies,

Happy Happy First Weekend of October.
Do you have big plans?
We're making our first batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, going on a pumpkin hunt, treasure hunting, and relaxing.
I've found that I am a very needy pregnant lady.
Nothing makes me happier than a trip to the grocery store to pick out fruit and to get secret surprise treats from my husband.
Daniel surprised me with these sock monkey slippers (for my sore feet) and this new book, Design Sponge at Home (to inspire me) this week.
I plan on living in these slippers, especially since all of my shoes are too tight.
My sweet sweet husband also ordered a pair of pregnant lady tights so I can make it through all three hours of church without having to go home early from stuffed sausage syndrome.
This needy pregnant lady is feeling very well cared for.
Thank goodness for sweet husbands.
I owe mine big time.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

p.s. Bono Baby picked a winner for our giveaway (via Random.org).
Felicia Dear, you are the lucky winner.
Keep an eye on your mailbox sweet friend.

Reginald The Raccoon

2011-09-28T14:02:00.002-07:00

When we first found out we were pregnant with Baby Coco we ran into this little raccoon on Etsy and bought it as our first gift to our new baby.

It arrived today.

It seems Reginald the raccoon went on a long journey and was nearly lost.

But, he made it here to his new Alabama home.

I imagine that he will be close friends with Baby Coco and Bono Baby too.

Now, here is a very "real" photo of what I look like as a pregnant lady.

Bed head and no make up seem to be the daily norm.

Also, I am living in these Gap maternity T's and jeans.

But, I am happy.

The crib arrived the other day and I went into a little bit of a panic.

There is a BABY CRIB in my house!

We weren't expecting it to arrive for another month or so.

I was not emotionally prepared.

But, I am happy!

Happy Wednesday Dear Friends.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Update on Thursday: My Daddy was sick for a long while before he passed away 10 years ago. He talked about death a lot and would tell me that he would always be sitting on my shoulder, cheering me on.
I was looking at this photo this morning and saw that photo of my Daddy on his motorcycle (sitting on my shoulder) and it reminded me of what my Dad would say.
I think he is pretty happy about Baby Coco too.
Just thought I'd share.
hugs.

1,500th Post Giveaway

2011-09-27T10:31:00.006-07:00

I reached my 1,500th post over the weekend.

How crazy is that?

I've been blogging for four years now and it has changed my life so much.

Thank you for being part of my adventures.

My dear friend Jill recently opened up her Etsy shop, Predilections, where she sells her hand made greeting cards.

They are so thoughtful and pretty and I love how she wraps them up.

Anyhow, sweet Jill made two cards for you.

To celebrate reaching 1500 posts, I will be making the winner a care package (I love love love making care packages) which will include two of Jill's creations.

To enter, be a follower of Fritzi Marie, show Jill some love on her blog or Etsy shop and leave a comment here.

Bono Baby will pick the winner on Friday, September 30th.

love and hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Do you remember going to the Hello Kitty / Sanrio store when you were a little girl and lusting after their mystery bags? This giveaway is a little bit like one of those tempting grab bags. I will be adding personalized goodies to the care package to go along with Jill's fabulous cards.
So much fun!

Flea Market Finds

2011-09-24T15:46:00.002-07:00

Dearies,

Today was a good day for treasure hunting here in Alabama.

We went to two estate sales and Dan found a fried chicken place he had to try.

I fell in love with this quilt top and I had to bring it home with me.

It is hand stitched from vintage feed sacks.

I'm hoping I can talk a friend into helping me pretty it up.

We found this bunch of goodies in a beautiful home in downtown Opelika.

I fell in love with the home and I loved lookie lou'ing through it's pretty rooms.

I think that is my favorite thing about going to estate sales.

I found a stash of hankies for my growing collection.

I figured someone would be in love with this mushroom necklace so I picked it up to sell in my shop.

These matted prints are going in the shop too.

Maybe.

That marching band one is tempting me.

I hope you found a little bit of treasure over the weekend too.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Check out Her Library Adventures and Apron Thrift Girl for more treasure hunting goodness.

Fruit Leather

2011-09-23T10:55:00.002-07:00

My dear sweet husband has been on the run lately.

You see, the cravings have set in.

I always thought they were an old wives tale but they are very real.

Bono Baby likes to wait by the window for his Daniel to come home from the grocery store.

I think it is so cute and thoughtful of our little man.

Daniel came home with trail mix and fruit leather and I am so happy (now).

Have I mentioned how happy I am with our new house?

The grocery store is less than a mile away.

Do you have big plans for the weekend?

We are planning on mowing our lawn for the first time, treasure hunting, lounging, decorating Dan's office, and making care packages.

Happy Weekend Friends.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Giving Myself A Big Pat On The Back

2011-09-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

I actually finished something today.
It was small and not a big deal but I finished it and I feel great about it.
I made this silly little celebration banner for a baby shower.
I like it so much, I'm tempted to keep it for myself.

hugs,
Fritzi

Stranded At The Drive In

2011-09-22T12:20:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

Bono Baby and I are under the weather again this afternoon.

Can I say that I am sick of feeling under the weather?

I want to feel like the pretty lady in this photo again.

That deserted drive in theater was down the street from our home in Mississippi.

I've always wanted to go to a drive in movie.

I would love to go to a movie in my pj's with my boys.

Sadly, that theater has since burned down.

I'm going to go ahead and daydream about going on a date with my Daniel to a drive in movie and we are going to go back in time and do it in the 50's too.

It's a daydream so I can do that.

Have you been to a drive in movie?

I hope you are having a fabulous Thursday.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Bono B. and I perk up real soon.

I am getting sick of us.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. We're having a giveaway soon (to celebrate our 1500th post) so please don't be a stranger.

We have a celebration in store.

Sweet Nothings

2011-09-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Daniel gifted me this Hello Kitty water bottle today.
I've been so thirsty lately!
Daniel, I promise to stop using up all of the glasses in the house.

I think surprise Wednesday presents are my new favorite thing.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

I hope you do too.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Ugly Duckling

2011-09-21T09:30:00.003-07:00

Dear Friends,

I think the pregnancy hormones are catching up with me.

I am finally excited about having a little boy.

While I am missing my figure desperately and feel like the ugliest duckling in town, I know that Baby Coco is worth the sacrifice.

I can't believe that in 4 short months, our little family of three will be a family of four.

I am so scared and excited all at the same time.

We've been having little talks with Bono Baby, letting him know that he will have a baby brother soon.

The only thing we have done to prepare for Baby Coco as of yet is order the crib.

That's a good first step, don't you think?

What are your baby must haves?

We're planning on only buying the must haves.

I don't want to live in a gymboree.

Happy Wednesday, Dearies.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Flea Market Finds

2011-09-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dearies,

Did you find any amazing treasure while out and about this weekend?

Dan and I went to a local sale that is held once a year.

They sell mostly childrens clothing but they have a lot of this and that as well.

Last year we found Dan's office chair and picked it up for a steal.

Anyhow, we found this adorable vintage lamp (in working contition) and the pink lampshade.

I figured I could recover the lampshade.

When I came home I had our new lamp try on a few different shades for size.

Here's where I need your help.

Which lamp shade do you like best for Baby Coco's little lamp?

Don't worry about the color just the sizing.

Thanks,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Check out more fabulous treasure over at Her Library Adventures and Apron Thrift Girl.

hugs.

Weenie Roast

2011-09-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I've decided that I am one of those people who doesn't know how to truly relax.

After finishing up with the baby shower yesterday I felt we needed to run all of our errands, go treasure hunting, walk Bono Baby, and accept an invitation to an impromptu back yard weenie roast.

Man oh man, that tofu dog and s'mores made my heart happy.

I have so many plans and projects and to do lists running through my mind and I feel this desperate push to get them all finished before Baby Coco arrives.

Thank goodness, I am finally feeling better (knock on wood) and my energy is coming back.

For me, there is nothing more frustrating then thinking of all the things I need to do and not having the energy to do them.

So, just so you know, if I owe you an email or a package or a thank you note, I am working on it and I am thinking about it always.

My Daniel gifted me all of the Grey Gardens films (I love love love those ladies) for Christmas last year and I have been waiting for the perfect relaxing day to sit about and watch them all.

I imagine it will be like one of those days in my 20's where I would indulge in all six hours of the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice.

I should say six and a half hours of it because I am pretty sure that I re-round the scene where Mr. Darcy takes a swim in his pond a number of times.

Enjoy.

Who can resist seeing Mr. Darcy in a wet shirt over and over?

Anyhow, I've decided to reward myself with my perfect Grey Gardens movie marathon day before Baby Coco arrives.

I'm going to make it the most relaxing, perfect day ever.

What would you choose to do on your relaxing day?

The day you save up for yourself to enjoy after you finish all of your to do's?

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Pregnancy has made me super chatty and open to spill all of my secrets and thoughts.

I just can't seem to help myself.

Kim's Baby Shower

2011-09-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

Today was baby shower day around our neck of the woods.
We threw our friend Kim a little baby shower.
We've been working on it all week.
Mostly we (Dan and Bono Baby included) were working on making the house presentable.

My dear friend Jill helped me make the wreath to greet our guests.
She was also my listening ear all week.
I love planning a party and chatting about every little detail.

Daniel set up the drink section and put up with me all week.

Bono Baby was on good behavior and super cute too.

My friend Megan co-hosted with me and she made an amazing breakfast casserole and muffins.

I put some of the vintage dresses I had collected for our baby girl to good use.
The blue one in the middle was mine when I was little.

They are about to be packed up and saved away for a future niece.
Oh, it was a lovely morning.
I hope Kim felt super special.
I've decided that baby showers are all about making the Mommy feel amazing and beautiful.

Happy Weekend Dearies.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. I plan on doing a lot of relaxing this weekend.
But I had to fit in some treasure hunting.
I can't wait to share with you what I found.

I'd Rather Be Naked

2011-09-14T20:13:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

How are you?

We're a little sick over here.

Bono Baby visited the vet today and he is still in a mood over it.

We bought him a new Auburn University (where Dan teaches) t-shirt to make him feel better.

He doesn't really like wearing t-shirts so I think he was even more offended by our peace offering.

But he just looks so cute, even when offended.

I hope you are having an amazing week.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. This is what Bono B. looks like when he is offended. He stares off into space and won't look me in the eye.

Somedays it is really hard to be a Bono Baby.

Flea Market Finds

2011-09-13T07:43:00.002-07:00

Daniel and I were able to venture out this weekend to do some treasure hunting.

We found this Barnum's Animal Cracker Tin that we hope to use in Baby CoCo's room.

This fancy purse had to come home with me.

It matches one of my favorite skirts perfectly.

This bed jacket will be listed in the shop soon.

I think it would look fabulous tucked in to a black pencil skirt.

I'm always on the hunt for doilies so I was happy when I found some.

These hearts would make great pasties.

Just sayin'.

This Pyrex is going to hold Daniels tuna fish in our fridge.

The Japanese deer will be listed in the shop soon.

She is so sweet.

I love collecting childrens books and soon I will have someone (besides Bono Baby) to read them too.

We also found many doilies, table linens, and a fabulous 1950's apron.

I'd say it was lovely treasure hunting adventure.

love and hugs,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. To see more fabulous flea market finds check in on Apron Thrift Girl and Her Library Adventures.

Bono Baby Takes Care Of His Babies

2011-09-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

Happy Weekend, Dearies.

Bono Baby and I have enjoyed some couch time (in our jammies) today.

Bono's new favorite thing to do is to lay out on my tummy.

How cute is that?

This little man melts my heart every day.

I think he knows that his baby brother is growing in there and he is keeping him safe.

Bono Baby is so precious.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. Please ignore my bloated feeties in the photos.

Love All Around

2011-09-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you again and again.

Your support over the past few days (about our baby boy news) has been so overwhelmingly helpful and special to me.

The news is finally starting to sink in and I am getting excited about it.

My Mommy sent us Ollie The Onion Head from The Black Apple.

She is over the moon thrilled about having her very first grand baby.

We are so in love with this sweet print and hope to use it as our inspiration for the baby's

room.

Thank you for being there for me.

I adore you all.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. My dear friend from college, Kristen, recently informed me that Felicity (our favorite show back then) is available for streaming on Netflix. I'm am hooked all over again.

I Have A Little Man Growing Inside Me

2011-09-06T21:39:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I can't keep our secret any longer.

I need your support.

We are having a little boy.

I am so scared.

I always thought we would have a little girl and I am still trying to get my head around the news.

I've decided that he will be the most dapper little man around (minus the pipe).

The hunt for cute little man clothing is on.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Looking Back

2011-09-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am over the moon happy today.

You see, it feels like Washington (in the early summer) in Alabama today.

Bono and I have been busy planning a last minute baby shower for our friend Kim.

The last baby shower I threw was 3 years ago in Mississippi for my friend Suzanne.

She had a little boy named Max so we ran with the Where The Wild Things Are theme.

Bono Baby and I have been looking at old photo's of that little baby shower.

It is weird to look back at snapshots of your old home and see how different it was.

Is it bad that I really want to throw my own baby shower?

Happy Tuesday.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Sunday Best

2011-09-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Sunday.
We were hoping to take some photo's while out on our adventure drive but it turned out to be one of those perfect rainy Sundays.

I thought you would like to see that I am out of my jammies today.
My sisters have been asking for baby bump photos.
This is the only attempt that I am somewhat comfortable with.

I have declared today to be a napping day.
Napping weather is calling.

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Wishing On Stars

2011-09-02T12:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Sending many happy weekend wishes to each and every one of you.

I'm taking a break from baby lookie lou'ing and dreaming about what I will get to wear after the baby gets here. I'll be honest, I have never felt so unfashionable in my life.

I know people say to wear funky jewelry and accessories to feel pretty while pregnant.

I'm just not a big jewelry person.

Shoes on the other hand, are my weakness.

Like these amazing Chie Mihara's.

I think they are so so so so beautiful.

I'm determined to spend as little as possible on clothing and such this year.

We're not planning on having another child so I don't want to spend too much on pregnancy wear.

So, here's to making do and dreaming about the fashionable years ahead.

Now, make a wish (because you deserve one) and enjoy your weekend.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Kittens

2011-09-01T15:27:00.001-07:00

I started "officially"looking for baby things (online) today.

My sister has been making fun of me because I am so clueless about what I need to get.

Anyhow, I found this sweet little kitten from Ginger Melon and fell in love with it.

It is the very last thing that baby needs but isn't it so cute?
I'm sort of loving that I can look at things that normally I would pass up.
There is just so much cuteness out there.

Happy Thursday Dear Friends.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Onion Head

2011-08-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for all of your love and support today.
The doctor appointment went well. Baby is healthy. It even had the hick ups.
The new due date is January 30th.
Just in time for the new Emily Martin book, Oddfellow Orphanage, to arrive for baby (me).
How exciting!

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Alabama Baby

2011-08-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I've been having a difficult time lately so I apologize ahead of time if this is a silly post.

I have been sicker than sick and sometimes I feel like everything about my old life is over.

Then I think about how I am on this journey with my best friend, my husband, and that makes it all seem worth it. Daniel and I will be finding out the sex of the baby tomorrow. All I can think about is how I want to know if the baby is okay and I really don't care all that much about the sex. We have decided to keep it a secret for a bit. With all the change that has been going on, we need some time to get excited about the new baby. I feel like I am ready for this quiet time in my life. I just want to settle in and enjoy it for a while.

So, that said, keep us in your thoughts tomorrow and know that we are always cheering you on from Alabama.

much love,

Fritzi Marie

p.s. My dear friend Jill came over to give me a tutorial on Pinterest today.

I can't wait to start making lists.

Also, I can't believe we are going to have an Alabama baby.

Crazy!

The Old Haunts What I Wants Is Red Beans And Rice

2011-08-29T16:45:00.002-07:00

We've been missing New Orleans lately.

When we lived in Mississippi we were two hours from dear New Orleans and we loved a good visit.

We've decided to spend our Monday night listening to Tom Waits and Daniel made red beans and rice.

So much fun to go down memory lane and recreate fun times.

Where would you go if you could jump on a magic carpet and go back in time for a quick visit?

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Monday Magic

2011-08-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I've had a headache for the past week so when it let up for a bit last night, Daniel and I made homemade oreo cookies for the first time.

I thought they were too rich last night but let me tell you, they were really good for breakfast this morning.
I promise I usually don't eat things like homemade oreos for breakfast but it was just one of those mornings.

I wish I could have you all over for cookies and milk.
I would love the company and I think you would love the cookies.

Happy Monday Sweeties.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Inspiration

2011-08-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!

I came across these amazing Patron Saint candles on dear Amanda's blog today and I've decided that I must save my pennies to gift myself this Patron Saint of Sewing Prayer Candle as a housewarming gift.
I have so many sewing projects in the works that need to be finished before the baby arrives.
Holly and her blog Sweetheartville are inspiration enough but this St. Helene candle is just the perk me up I need to get to sewing.
I think what I love most about this candle is that it reminds me of one of my favorite burlesque stars, La Cholita.
She is just so fabulous.

hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Patience

2011-08-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are dedicating our weekend to the house.
My impatient heart wishes that our home was put together, decorated, and beautiful already.
It has never taken us this long to finish unpacking.
Given, Dan has started a new semester of teaching and I have been super tired and cranky.
Last night, while flipping through Decorate, this quote by Amy Butler of Design Sponge brought me much comfort.

Here's to a weekend full of "enjoying the process".

love and hugs,
Fritzi Marie

Together Forever

2011-08-25T13:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Thursday Dearies.

We are almost to the "hanging" phase of the moving in process.

A home just feels more like "home" when there are pretties hung on the wall.

I can't wait for these pretties to find their new homes so we can get that room ready for a crib.

For now, it's Bono Baby's room.

Though he only likes to be in there when I am.

That's how Bono and I roll, always together.

love love,

Fritzi Marie

Hope

2011-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I quit Diet Coke three days ago.
To quote my favorite line from Persuasion, "I feel like death".
The unpacking is at a stand still but I think things are looking up.
You see, my friend Jennifer sent me a surprise package with this adorable onesie nestled inside.
I love that the puppy on it looks like our sweet Bono Baby.
Her thoughtfulness inspired me to unpack the goodies from my hope chest.
I've been collecting goodies for a baby for years.
We weren't necessarily planning on having children but I always figured we could give the pretties away if it didn't happen.
Sometimes it is hard not to buy baby clothes.
Does that make sense?
They are just too cute.

I hope you are having a lovely week.

much love,
Fritzi Marie

Birthday Wishmaking

2011-08-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Daniel,

I forgot to "formally" wish you a Happy Birthday yesterday.
I hope your special day was magical.
I also hope that all of your wishes come true this year.
Each and every one of them.

I love you, dear husband.

love love,
Fritzi Marie

Weekend Birthday Treats

2011-08-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

My sweet Daniel and I will be celebrating his 39th birthday this weekend
He will be eating lots of chocolate cake and bowls of Cookie Crisp cereal.
Birthday boys get to eat whatever their hearts desire.

Happy Weekend Wishes Dear Friends.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie

Morning Cuddles

2011-08-18T08:50:00.002-07:00

Dan went back to work today (after a two week break).

I love when fall semester starts.

It means that cooler weather is on its way.

Bono and I decided to sleep in a bit.
We decided that we deserved it.
Moving is hard work.
I love waking up next to my boys.
Bono loves when we get to sleep in without Dan.
He gets in extra cuddle time with me.
I wish I looked as cute as Bono Baby when I woke up.

hugs,

Fritzi Marie