Freshly hand picked

Goodness me, sometimes I get so caught up in the everyday madness that I forget to sit down and listen to music. Don't get me wrong, music is an essential part of my day but with a little person at my side 24/7 I rarely get to crank it up and really listen anymore. 

The last hour or so I have been sitting here at the ol' macaroo with my headphones on taking in the sweet sounds. So, I thought I would share what I am really digging on the music front right now and songs I think ya'll should check out.

First of all I am obsessed with the song I used on my latest wee slide show of Sol. It's called To Build a Home by the Cinematic Orchestra. Oh my lord I can't get enough of this track. If you are going to download it make sure you buy the long version from the Ma Fleur album. If you are anything like me it will take you on an emotional ride. It is beautiful. Really beautiful.

Another gem that I can't stop listening to is an oldie but such a goody...Unknown Legend by Neil Young. Can this man do no wrong? Harvest Moon is such an amazing album but I was reminded of this song and it's gorgeous lyrics when I watched Rachel Getting Married. The version sung on that film is amazing. I only wish I had had this song in my mind when I was planning my wedding!

And finally, I suggest you check out Ingrid Michaelson's version of Radiohead's Creep. You die hard Radiohead fans may not agree (or if you are like Sam and you don't like female vocalists you may be in trouble) but I love her version. To be honest I didn't even know who she was but I stumbled across some of her stuff and ended up downloading a few that I instantly liked.

My musical evening has been a welcome relief from a good but hectic day. Any day that starts with a dog with severe diarrhea is going to be a challenge. To much information? Sorry, just be grateful you didn't have to clean it up. 

Sol and I keep trying to tell summer that we are ready for it's return. Apparently it's taking a two week hiatus. We are tired of thunder and rain now. He is itching to try out his new crab floaty for the pool.

S x

Anywhere but here...

I am sitting here with a heat pack strapped to my shoulder and a travel pillow substituting as a neck brace. This is not a new problem but something stress related that has been brewing and seems to have decided to peak to new painful heights. Today is a day when the weight of the world feels heavier than normal and I am forced to dig deep and remember what is important in life. It ain't easy..that's for sure! In my yoga practice yesterday a quote was read that mentioned something to the effect that holding on to frustrations just keeps them present longer in your life. So true so true. Though I try and stay positive, some days certainly challenge my own character and strength. I am not always proud of my choices but I do at least face up to them.

A good session of sitting down at looking at my old photos is ample therapy to start me on my path back to positivity. I need to stay focused and keep my eyes on the prize. Funny how little things can become so huge when your focus strays.

As images seem to in some way make me feel better, this site www.itsprettygood.com  is the tonic to my woes. Her beautiful images are vibrant and fun and brighten up the world. I suggest you bookmark it for a day like today.

Till next time when life will smell sweeter and look peachier through my rose tinted glasses. Hmmm... now where did I put those?

S x

What a video!

We are in the midst of a great thunderstorm, hail and all. Nothing like a good downpour to clear the air and freshen up before the week begins. Sol is fast asleep enjoying a good snooze while mother nature takes care of some business.

I am relaxing in a rare quiet moment in this house with a cup of herbal tea and a piece of toast. In an uncharacteristic move, I stepped away from reality television to sit in the quiet and enjoy the storm.

We were married just over a year and a half ago now which means I need to let go of wedding planning once and for all. I still find myself looking at blogs and magazines for cool ideas even though mine is done and dusted. In my needless research I found this wedding video which is genius! I wish I had thought of doing it at my big day because I can't remember ever seeing a wedding video that I have smiled so much at. Whoever is next needs to do this!!

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

Half Birthday Boy

Yesterday celebrated six months with sweet sweet Sol. I can't believe a year ago I hadn't met this little man yet.

In the early hours of the morning when it's just the two of us in the quiet, I can't help but be overcome with love and gratitude for his presence in my life. The connection between mother and baby is nothing new, it's been going on forever, but somehow Sol manages to make me feel like the best mum and most important person in the world.

I always felt destined to be a parent and now that it has happened I can't imagine a job more important or rewarding than this one.

I count my blessing everyday. What a lucky lady!

S xx

Like catching up with an old friend

So. After all this time I have decided to revisit the world of blogging. As much as i hate the fact that blogging in general has become a bit like scrapbooking (which I despise) I must admit I actually enjoy doing it. 

It has been a crazy 6 months since little Sol was born. We not only have entered the world of parenthood but we've also moved countries and started all over again. Somehow the thunder and I take things in our stride and carry on. Luckily, sunshine seems to be like crack for us and now the summer has hit we are motivated and excited. Forever the optimists, we believe everything will work out and we just need to be patient.

Anyhoo, Sol is an angel and makes our hearts swell every time we look at him. 

I will be adding photos and tidbits about his development as we go along. This will still be for cool shizzle I find online during nap time too.

I will post a link to this on facebook. It is also something I have a love/hate relationship with. I love all the photos and updates..I hate all the add ons and the "I'm a fan of" crapola. So and so is a fan of potatoes, so and so is a fan of sunshine...duh...we all are. Who cares. I'm a fan of a good bm but no one wants to know that! No need to share.

I hope friends and family can enjoy my silly little posts and it helps everyone keep tabs on what our whanau is up to.

Much love and belly laughs

Mama Cubis x

Here is a clip of Sol eating. Look at those gorgeous eyes!

is this thing working??

Three Little Birds

It has been so long since I have blogged. Since my last post we have moved our of our house and have been house sitting on the other side of town. I am missing living right near the beach and am swiftly tiring of living out of a suitcase.
My intention is to start writing much more on this blog. I think the tone of it will change a little as time goes on...maybe becoming a little less design generic and a little more personal. After all I am 91/2 weeks away from becoming a mom and I know that I will want to share my experiences and feelings more. Whether or not anyone reads what I write, it is quite a therapeutic for me and a nice diary of our lives.
Of course I have been shopping for beautiful things for my little baby boy and without going crazy with spending have found some real treasures.
One of my favourite finds which I have been listening to nonstop all week is this c.d by Elizabeth Mitchell
It is full of gorgeous children songs..and I don't mean the annoying kind. I have always loved the song Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and I think it's my favourite lullaby for baby. So happy and beautiful...I find myself singing it all the time already. The version on this album is divine.

So, I'm back. My need for more sleep will not effect my ability to write more.
P.S. I heart edame and chocolate milk shakes. Craving in a bad way.