First Thomas Family Camping Trip!

We just returned from our first family camping trip and it was a great success! We had a very fun time with the kids and my sister and her daughter. There was sunshine, amazing scenery, swimming, good food, and smores! Can't ask for much more. We can't wait to do it again next year!

gone camping

So...we're going camping. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. Sleeping in a tent with two kids, cooking outdoors, scary campground bathrooms. And then there's the whole diapers situation, and yes, they are both still in diapers.

But I'm hopeful it will be a fun trip and we'll make some amazing memories. I have great memories of camping as a kid and I can't wait for my children to experience it, and to experience it with them.

We don't actually depart until after the holiday weekend. So I think the plan is to give the tent, etc. a test run in the backyard tonight. Wish us luck!

Hopefully I'll have some fun pics to post of our little adventure!

getting my ducks in a row

Beyond the several projects I have going on currently, I have decided the time is right to launch my business. My dream is to start my own copywriting + PR firm, so that's exactly what I'll be doing come late summer/early fall.

This business is something I've been contemplating for a couple of years now. But I know the time commitment that comes with running a business, the investment I will have to make, and in knowing that, I've given myself some time to prepare, if you will.

I've read tons of business books and plan to plow through a few more before the summer is through. Most recently I've read The Boss of You and Making Work at Home Work, both of which I highly recommend.

So now it's all about getting my ducks in a row. The back bedroom must be transformed from storage room to office. I've got to figure out a work schedule that is manageable. Legal docs must be figured out, contracts created, and the list goes on.

It's all very exciting but a little scary too. My biggest worry is how I'm going to juggle motherhood with running a business. Any business owners out there that have advice for me I'm all ears!

I'd also love to hear any other book reccomendations and/or resources. Thanks!

bathroom love

We live in an old home that has the potential to be amazing. If time and money weren't issues, I could seriously go crazy transforming this place. Of course, time and money are limited, so I'm taking my lofty makeover dreams in baby steps.

Today my mind is on the bathroom. That's right, THE bathroom, we live in a one bathroom home. Crazy, I know! Our bathroom needs some major TLC...the walls are literally falling apart. But it is a pretty neat space to work with regardless. A black clawfoot tub, pedastool sink, and black and white checkered floors, make this space classic and inviting.

Before we can get to the major rennovation, I'm thinking I can spruce things up with a little bit of textile love. I'm especially loving the clean look of white, made interesting by texture details like ruffles and pleats.


LOVE these shower curtains (photos found on The Lettered Cottage) and am thinking about picking up a similar style at Target. Speaking of The Lettered Cottage, she's been sharing some inspirational bathrooms that are simply amazing. Definitely worth a looksie if you like that kind of thing.

most amazing woman on the web! or atleast, one of them.

Today I got a "tweet" (that would be a message on twitter) that I was chosen as one of Stiletto Woman Magazine's "Top 50 Most Amazing Women on the Web" I was super excited, to say the least, and honored to be included in such an incredible list of women.

This good news came at a great time, as I've been having a rough few days. I had all four wisdom teeth yanked a couple of days ago, and let's just say it's been a less than pleasant experience. A combination of pain + pain killers has put me in a constant foggy state, in fact, I'd be surprised if this post makes any sense at all.

Hoping normal life to resume soon!

starting over + about

I didn't choose motherhood, motherhood chose me. A surprise pregnancy with the man of my dreams thrust me into this role, a role I love beyond measure, even if the daily navigation is bumpy, at best. One baby + one marriage + one more surprise pregnancy (resulting in one more baby) is the reason this once Hollywood party girl gladly hung up her stilletos in exchange for the simple life in the country.

Now living in the small town home of my youth, in a fixer-upper craftsman (someday) home of my dreams, and staying home full-time with two crazy but irresistably adorable sprouts; I'm trying to figure this whole thing out. Luckily, I have an amazing partner who holds my hand, feeds me wine, fills our home with music, makes me giggle, and loves us unconditionally. We're in this together, the four of us, and we sure do love this life of ours!

My life these days is all about my kids, managing our home, inventing a way to work from home, and seeking balance. Some days are crazy, others are crazier. Hopefully The Novice Mom will help me make sense of it all.

As my way of organizing this chaos, I've set up a simple schedule for my blog. I heart schedules. You can expect random thoughts on the following subjects on the following days:

Monday: Meals + Money + Megan (that's Me!)

Tuesday: Home + Design

Wednesday: Biz + Vision

Thursday: Kids + Love

Friday: Health + Wellness

Thanks for visiting. Shards of wisdom + sentiments of empathy welcome!

A New Chapter

I'm beginning a new chapter on The Novice Mom. I've decided to use this space to do more writing and less "fluff", more straight mom talk less product reviews ( make that NO product reviews), and to document my journey as a novice mama.

So lookout for changes soon. It's going to be a beautiful summer!