Simply Seleta

taking one for the team

It's safe to say Pom Pom pays his dues around here.  God bless this sweet cat, he played along with whatever game our five year seemed to be playing here.

When I saw this, I nearly laughed up a lung.

E.T. is that you???

 

{no brainer} tasty breakfast

 

One of my very favorite indulgences is a cozy hotel breakfast delivered straight to the room.  There's just something magical about waking up and starting your day with a warm, delicious spread of food brought to your door.  No work, no dishes, no hassle.  There are few better ways to start your day other than sipping hot coffee and cream [which is always in the cutest little container], taking your time to eat and enjoying a relaxing conversation.  Wouldn't it be nice to start every day that way?  Pictured here is one husband and I had earlier this year.  For me, that little rosebud made the table.

I'm obsessed with hotel oatmeal.  I've always wondered, "how do they make it so creamy and smooth???"  Of course a trained chef or someone more seasoned in the kitchen would know, but alas I do not. 

Mmmmm, nothing better a chilly morning. 

 

No matter how hard I try, I've never been able to duplicate the texture or taste of that comforting warm pourage in my own kitchen.  It usually results in a dry or sticky pot of gooey bleh.  Or a big, overcooked mess that spills over the pot and onto the cooktop.  Horrible to clean up.  Which puts me in a seriously grumpy mood.

But I've finally cracked the code.  Well, my version, at least.  And I want to share it with you.

You won't believe how easy it is.

All you need is...

This

[it's an adorable little 2 qt crock pot which is currently at wal-mart for $9.  The model number is SCR200-W]

And this. 

The beautiful part is you make this right before you go to bed.  So when you wake up in the morning, a warm breakfast awaits you.  Almost as good as room service!  Certainly less expensive.  It's an extra yummy treat on cold school mornings with hungry kids.  Or for a busy professional who's flying out the door before rush hour.  Who really wants to cook then?  I sure don't.  

Important:  make this no earlier than 10pm the night before [I usually do it at 11pm before crawling into bed].  Cut off the crock pot the next morning no later than 7am.

How to make it:

Pour 4 cups of filtered water into your crockpot

Pour 2/3 cup McCann's steel cut oatmeal into crock pot

Close the lid and switch the knob to "low"

Wake up in the morning, turn to "off" and stir the oatmeal.

...........................................

That's it.  Could it be any easier?

In the cold months, we like to top ours with sliced bananas, a little brown sugar or honey, chopped walnuts, coconut shavings and a splash of cream.  In the summer months, it's seasonal berries topped with cream.

Hope you like this as much as we do.  If your kids give you any trouble trying it, try reading the story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" the night before.  I promise you'll peek an interest. 

yum

What a nice spot to curl up with a good book.  I love this. 

I'm happy to say we have lots of fun planned for this weekend.  What are your plans?

Happy Friday, friends.

[photo from here]

she's back

After the last 14 days of insanity my life, I have a new infomercial idea for TV:

[seleta's voice] Do you feel bloated? Do you need to lose those last 10 pounds to fit into your favorite holiday dress?  Well, I can help you make that happen with my new, improved weight loss program.  I lost 8 pounds on it!  It's simple and quick: just get the flu followed by pneumonia and instantly get your girlish yet slightly anorexic figure back.

[announcer's voice speaking quickly] Side effects may include: fever, loss of appetite, metal taste in mouth, chills, hallucinations, depression, coughing until gagging, near death experience, pale complexion, dehydration, sleep deprivation, body aches, head spins and black or purple circles around eyes.

To order your flu weight loss program, please call 1-800-almost-dead-but-crazy-skinny

GUARANTEED INSTANT RESULTS!!! 

[attention any serious commenters:  this was a joke.  I am not advocating dangerously thin figures or making fun of sick people.  I was laughing at my own personal experience.]

lessons come in funny packages

I'm back.  Sort of.  My bod is mostly back in the game, but I'm still weak and now I have no voice.  Literally.  So I sit here on my sofa talking to you, even though in real life I am a mute.  The no talking part has been interesting.  To be honest, this whole nine day experience has been interesting.  Sickness has never been part of my reality.  Even as a child if I ever got sick, my dad would make me get dressed and get out of bed.  He used to say, "you won't stay sick if you don't act sick."  

Let's look at cool pictures as we talk.  As you might imagine, they have no relation to this post.  Except that I really need to get serious about framing and hanging pictures in my house.

First I have to thank Jennifer for keeping the blog rockin' along.  She's one of my best peeps.  I don't trust many people with this blog, but she's one I knew I could hand it right over without blinking an eye.  The girl oozes style.  And she's a loyal friend.  Perfect combo.

So I'm one of these people who believes that every experience is a lesson or opportunity to grow.  Usually the growing part bites.  Mainly because in order to grow you have to get completely out of your comfort zone.  For me, being bedridden, flirting with what felt like death, and sitting alone in a room for more than a week was a major comfort zone violation.  I'm used to going 150 mph without stopping.  Until I collapse into bed.  Notice I said collapse.  Recipe for disaster.

Humor me as I share my personal insights during this time.

The first few days of being sedentary I thought I was going to crawl right out of my skin.  I was too sick to read, sleep, watch tv, make my to-do list, or even set goals.  It was 48 hours of pure discomfort and pain.  That's a lot of time to think, pray, reflect, suffer, reflect some more and stare at a ceiling.  For the record, prayer helped my mind and spirit a lot.  I learned that Motrin or Tylenol do not stop gut-wrenching body aches.  It was awful.  But it got my attention.  It forced me to appreciate something very basic:  life.  Life is so precious.  Even if we don't have all of the "things" we want or we worry about the future or we don't like what's going on today.  We still have life.  It's the basic joys that really matter.  Across the hall I could hear all the sounds of my children's day as it progressed; laughing or crying, playing or arguing, all of their day and night dramas were unveiled in their voices.  It was strange to hear it all go by and be completely detached from helping, instructing or rescuing.  

Observation #1:  You're ultimately not in control [control freak].  And that's okay. 

A few days later I went into moderate pain phase and started feeling human again.  I took naps.  I watched TV [and concluded that daytime television is not only depressing but designed for mental patients].  Even read a little.  I would wake up with husband in the morning and help the girls get dressed and brush their hair.  Husband did everything else.  Like haggle with a three year old who's putting on his superman costume instead of school clothes, pack healthy lunches, load up four kids in the pouring rain and get them to school on time.  The whole time I felt like such a loser.  I wasn't contributing or pulling my own weight.  I couldn't.  As much as I wanted to. 

Slowly I came to peace with resting.  I observed that somehow my husband was surviving doing all of this.  The guilt went away [a little] and I allowed myself to read, take a deep breath, cough up a lung or two and relax.  Sounds so simple, doesn't it?  Well, it's not.  Not for me, anyway.

Observation #2:  It's okay to rest.  It's actually a good thing [control freak].

Now I'm physically better, I'm up and around and functioning well in our abode.  But the voice has left.  Poof, it's gone.  If I try to speak, I cough for about 10-15 minutes afterward.  So communication with my own children has become very primitive.  And you know what?  If you don't talk, there's a lot to hear.  There's a lot to learn.  If you can believe it, our kids have become quieter without me being able to speak.  They are more peaceful. 

Observation #3:  It's good to say less and listen more [control freak].

AT THIS POINT YOU MIGHT BE ASKING...

Why is this the longest blog post in the world and how does this relate to me?

Well, I don't think I'm alone in this whole burnout track I was running on.  Anyone else running along next to me?  Maybe faster?  Maybe longer?  Anyone else tired of running?  

I got tired. 

Here's a thought:  Let it go.  Whatever it is, let it go.  It will be there tomorrow.  I promise.  Take a few minutes to yourself.  Turn off the cell, computer and TV.  Read, walk, study, pray, knit, sketch, paint, write, whatever.  Do something that feeds your soul.  It's not selfish to do that.  I mean, even Jesus went off alone for days at a time during his ministry.  He needed that time.  And I'm pretty sure he wasn't selfish.  Feeding your spirit and having down time is so valuable.  In fact, it's imperative.  And important in staying healthy.  It took me running myself to the ground and getting sick to figure that one out. 

So my blog posts will still be here, maybe not as many, maybe not as long, but still here.  Just going to work on keeping my priorities in order.  And take more time to rest when I need it.  Feels good to say that.

Promise me you'll do the same.

***this was not meant to be a "poor me" post, but rather a post about learning an important lesson in life.  If you leave a comment, let it be one  sharing an idea or how you are going to honor your own time to recharge!  I won't be able to personally respond to your comments as I usually do, but please know I love each and every one of them!*****

[photos from country living via this blog]

yummy neutral

It's me, jennifer here again.  

Let's talk fashion. 

Love the idea of introducing a "neutral" theme into my wardrobe this fall after seeing this spread in Lucky Magazine .....it's the complete opposite of the traditional heavy, black/grey palette most of us adorn ALL winter long.  The warm hues are anything but boring and would be flattering on every skin tone. 

The key to keeping it tasteful :: mono-chromatic colors. 

Also remember to stick with one hue and incorporate texture for interest.  Here are a few photos of my fashion favorites from fall fashion week. 

chanel.

 

carolina herrera.

 

ralph lauren.

christian siriano. 

 

lacoste.

THE BIG QUESTION:

Is this "neutral look" a trend you think you will embrace this season?"  

~jennifer

{photos courtesy of NYC Fashion Week Fall 2009}

budget friendly + mod

Hi I'm jennifer {seleta's friend/co-conspirator} and I'm guest blogging while she is resting and out on "sick leave."  I had to share my latest discovery from peddler's {to the trade} which is a great resource for affordable home accessories. 

A little about me...I'm a residential designer here at the beach and have a weakness for organization and A-N-Y-thing related to design or fashion.  Feel free to check out my work right over here.

Now, about these cool new products I recently came across during a search for unique home accessories for a client.  Peddler's  has a vintage/industrial vibe which works well when I'm trying to blend old and new for a more "lived in" palette.  I think their pieces are very anthropologie-esque {did i mention i'm an anthro fanatic?}, sort of reminiscent of days-gone-by or maybe something you'd come across in your grandmother's attic??? 

Hoping to use these industrial barstools in my client's kitchen.

And maybe one of the foundry mold mirrors in her powder bath with the fluted wire pendant light hanging above the sink.

 

 

These pieces would add warmth to the room and certainly spark interest.  What do you think?  Stools retail for $250 each and wire pendant $129.  Not bad!

To give you a better vibe on the client's space, here are the fabrics I'm playing around with:

 

Other peddler pieces that caught my eye were the tall wire cubby shelf {everything needs to be in its place}

and the low gym shelf {would be ideal by my back door for storing beach stuff, things for the dog, shoes, etc....}.  The entire wire collection is so functional for life here at the beach {can you say S-A-N-D} and very affordable.

 

Tall shelf $190, low shelf $275. 

Also considering this print block table, think it would be perfect for a cozy covered porch or in a child's playroom.  Very whimsical and unexpected, don't you agree?

Thanks for letting me share my most recent finds and latest obsessions.  Hope to continue popping in {unannounced} to share with you more of my dynamite finds and absolute favorites!! 

xoxo jennifer 

a break

Been sick.  At first I had convinced myself I had a minor bug and thought, "I can totally fight this thing off on my own."  But on day two when I couldn't stand-up to walk across a room and was hallucinating with a 104 fever, the doctor's office sounded like a splendid idea.  But they sent me straight to the hospital.  That was yesterday.  A few IV bags and a flu treatment later, I'm back home.  Still under the weather and pretty tired.  In fact, I'm worn out. 

I'm that person in our family who never gets sick.  The last time I had a fever was five years ago when I developed mastitis [ouch].  So it's an understatement to say I've been feeling major guilt watching my sweet husband juggle work, four active children and a puppy.  Making lunches, cleaning the kitchen, brushing hair, taking them to and from school, blah, blah, blah.  Not an easy task without babysitter help.  He's doing an amazing job and hasn't once complained.  He most definitely deserves an award.  

Even though it's been a challenging few days for our family, I'm feeling very grateful right now.  The offspring have been care taking in their own way and good friends have been like angels feeding our family and checking in on us daily.  Thank you Michelle S. and Jennifer! 

Not sure how much longer I'll be down, but please know that I'll be back as soon as I can. 

Thanks, peeps.

P.S.  This entryway with its welcoming yellow doors [probably somewhere in Europe] makes me feel happy on a rainy, gray day here at the beach.  It's from Vogue via fric and frac.

a roadtrip [part two]

This photo pretty much sums up our trip to the Georgia Tech game last weekend.  Pictured here with our whole crew [minus Pom Pom] is Buzz, the Georgia Tech mascot.  The offspring could hardly sleep the night before in anticipation of meeting Buzz.  So when we were able to snag this picture, it was the ultimate for them.  Pippi is even kissing him.  Or biting? 

Lots going on during the pregame festivities. Music, tailgating, food, and your average college craziness. 

The drums are always my favorite.  I find the sound of them....soothing.  Not sure if that's weird.  Nope, probably just the result of being a child of the 80's.

 

Other members of the band were on the roof.

 

The girls loved seeing the color guard.

 

And someone was in hog heaven here.  Future Georgia Tech cheerleader?

We walked a lot.   At first everyone walked and loved it.  But then...four out of five participants hitched a ride on the mac-daddy stroller.  Even Pippi was pooped.

 
Did I mention it was freezing?  Those metal chairs at the luncheon felt like we were sitting on ice blocks.  Look at the sad girl next to me.  She was still cold even though I wrapped her head to toe in a blanket.

The only way she would eat was to be snug in this man's arms.  Don't blame her.  He's pretty wonderful.

 

Pippi was a celeb everywhere we went. 

Even with police officers.  I seriously need her in the car with me if I ever get pulled over for speeding.

 

It was fun having a dog in tote.  Except when she relieved herself [not number one] next to a table of people eating.  I guess in her mind, it was the right thing to do.  Grass is free game, right? I scrambled to clean it up.  Horrifying. 

But how could you get mad at this face?  Either face, really.

Yellow firetrucks are cool.

 

What is it with boys and firetrucks?

 

And motorcycles?

It was a good day.  At the end we had tired, frozen offspring.  But plenty of memories.

 
P.S.  Tech won.  They're now ranked 11th in the nation.  Go jackets.

a roadtrip [part one]

Last week we headed out for a family road trip to Atlanta.  Can't wait to tell you about it.  But first things first.  Since so many of you expressed interest in my last post on packing [courtesy of Jennifer] I thought I'd do it again.  Except this time you get to look inside my suitcase. 

Feel free to stop yourself from falling over in excitement. 

Let's begin. 

Couldn't pack too much, and really didn't have the energy after packing up the kids.  So I kept it simple.  I have a bad habit of over packing, which is rather ridiculous for something as short as a weekend trip.  So I commited to changing that this time.  [sorry, didn't include the shoes in the pics]

for the drive to atlanta: comfy with color

scarf: clearance banana republic
boyfriend cardi: jcrack outlet

for the next day playing with and chasing offspring: practical with pattern

coat: currently on sale at jcrack outlet
white oxford: last year
 

for date night with husband: preppy vixen

freshwater pearls: vegas
scarf: jcrack outlet
boots and skirt: last year

for the l-o-n-g ride back home: sassy with sneaks

Running out the door I ditched the scarf and added a lightweight jacket since it was pouring down rain.  Yep, it's a cutie from Target.  If you like it, you can find it right here.  39 bucks.

What helped make the packing extra fun were some warm, buttered blueberry muffins made by husband. As you can see, a small thief was reaching for one before I could even snap the picture.

And in case you're wondering if I had any special helpers during this process, the answer is, "I most certainly did."

My assistants were...

One streaker.  You can see the suspect running toward the door.  Don't judge unless you have or have had a three year old.

 
One five year old who was petting a cat and patiently waiting at the top of the stairs.  

One upset cat who happened to be hissing at a puppy below.

And one happy puppy who was watching the naked person run back and forth.

Like I've said before, there's never a dull moment around here.

To be continued...