small + friendly

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  Words (and inspiration) by Amanda Soule.

Keeping the rising bread company.

Heard mommy's camera.

Happy Friday!

P.S. - The Circle of Moms voting is almost over, pretty please click to vote and keep me in the running!

Don't Throw Out Those Jeggings

I have to admit, I love me a jegging, they were a post-pregnancy life-saver.  Well, at least for the first couple of wears, then they grew and stretched and fell off as I walked, and love quickly turned to hate.  Until I found a new reason to love them: mini-man skinny jeans.

 Here's the thing, toddler boy jeans don't have any stretch.  I'm not advocating man jeggings but, watching Jude at the playground in his stiff little jeans was heartbreaking.  What's an active, fashion conscious toddler to do?   

Why...rock an upcycled pair of jeggings, of course.  I used the same basic method as the twenty minute toddler sweats, and I've got another pair on the cutting table, so expect a new tutorial soon.         

Here's to toddler jeggings: functional AND fashionable.  

Happy Sewing!

P.S. - Voting is still open for the Circle of Moms award, and you can vote once every 24 hours!  Thank you so much to all the fabulous readers who have already voted, you rule!

Letting Go

I was looking over my 30 Before Thirty and realized I've got some work to do!  I may have been a little overly ambitious.  Although, I saw a hilarious quote on pinterest that said: "No goal set by a Virgo is unrealistic or unattainable."  So there may still be hope.  One item I wasn't planning on sharing here was the 5 emotional things to let go.  But then I realized two things: First, I think I already let go of any fear of oversharing, and second, it might actually help someone else, which is a huge reason why I blog.  So here goes:

1.  Control.  Having Jude has taught me that I can't have everything done my way AND get help from others.  I had to let go of control to gain the help I needed.  Turns out, there is more than one right way to do things.  And even if Jude watches a little TV while he's with my mom, or the laundry gets sorted "wrong" by my husband, it still beats not getting a break.

2.  Worry.  I was always a worrier, but becoming a mother left me an anxious wreck.  I am working on swapping my worry for constructive change and the faith that everything happens for a reason.  Now, when I spin out on something changeable, I make a plan to get that change happening.  And when the worry is less tangible or out of my control, I journal about it until I can get to a place where I feel assured that everything will end up as it should.  Letting go of worry has meant more room for confidence, action, and optimism.

3.  Judgement.  I know I'm not the first person to become a lot less judgemental after having a child.  I have such a desperate wish not to be judged, that it makes it much easier not to judge others.  By choosing to be less judgemental, I have learned a great deal about compassion and empathy; two things that don't always come naturally to me, but that I very much want to model for my child.

4.  One-way Relationships.  Friendship is very important to me, and I am a fiercely loyal and dedicated friend.  This is great for the friends who are also loyal and dedicated, but it is not so awesome for the one's who aren't.  I decided to let go of connections that were clearly only being held together by my efforts.  This has freed up time and emotional space that will hopefully be filled by more rewarding relationships.

5.  Resentment.  Being wronged sucks.  No one enjoys the inequities of life, but holding on to them only hurts you more.  I've learned that when you harness the power of forgiveness, resentment gives way to peace.  I'm not convinced I'll ever be able to forgive AND forget, but letting go of the anger really does feel freeing.        

These items are all works in progress.  Some things have been easier to let go than others, bringing a sort of instant lightness and twinge of excitement like when you jump from a swing.  Others are more like a slowly unclenching fist: tight, sore, reluctant to change.  But all in all, it feels so good to let go of things I don't want or need, freeing up my arms to hold the imporant things close and tight: my family and friends.  

Here's to everything you gain by letting go.

Have you struggled to let go of emotional junk?  Any tips?  Do you think being a parent makes it any easier or harder?  I'd love to know your thoughts.       

P.S. - If you want to show Small & Friendly some extra love, I am currently in the running for two very cool awards, Apartment Therapy's The Homies for Best Family Blog and Circle of Moms Top 25 Creative Mom Blogs.  Please consider clicking on the links and voting!