Friday Things
1. Joseph is continuing to grow and seems to do something new every single day. He’s really big on grabbing for everything that he sees now… phones, remote controls, toys, glasses, cups… if he sees it, he wants to touch it and, inevitably, put it in his mouth. It’s so much fun to see him exploring his ever-growing new world.
2. The full moon was insane two nights ago! I had to run out with my zoom lens and try to snap some pictures… I love when you can see so many details!
3. Duke had a great 2nd birthday this week! He was showered with affection, homemade treats, and we tried to restrain from correcting him too much so he could have a relaxing day :)
4. I’m looking for a great cross-body bag… any recommendations? I’d like to use it for my everyday bag, so it can’t be too small… I’m having trouble finding something that isn’t too small (I already have a few of those) and isn’t too crazy big.
5. This list is a great reference for anyone who bakes! >>Â 27 Amazing Charts That Will Turn You Into a Baking Whiz
6. I bought Sunbutter for the first time over the weekend… why didn’t anyone tell me how delicious that stuff is?! I’m totally hooked!
7. Do you have arguments over how to load the dishwasher at your house? There was a big discussion about it at the dinner table on Sunday, with my cousin and her boyfriend, my aunt and uncle, and my husband and I all hashing out the different ways we load the dishwasher. Then lo and behold, this article popped up in my newsfeed this week >> You’re Loading the Dishwasher Wrong: A Chore and a Power Struggle. Perfect timing! Also, even though it says you don’t have to, not rinsing the dishes still makes me twitchy ;-)
8. Bubble wrap will no longer pop when you squeeze it?! WHAT?
9. I can’t believe that the 4th of July is already tomorrow! The holiday usually feels like the midpoint of summer, but strangely, I feel like summer has barely begun. Maybe because of all the unseasonably cool weather we’ve been having? In any case, what are your plans for the holiday weekend??
10. TGIF! Einstein was very serious about wanting some of Duke’s birthday treats :)
Joseph is so cute, I always look forward to the pics on your Friday post, he’s a few months younger than my little one. As for crossbody bags I also suggest vera bradley. I have the cargo sling crossbody that I use for baby stuff as well so I don’t have to take a purse and a diaper bag everywhere
have you ever checked out moop bags? they’re made in pittsburgh and they have some great crossbody options!
http://www.moopshop.com/
It doesn’t look like anyone has yet mentioned the Patagonia Mini Mass bag. I have been using it for years. It lasts forever, is the perfect size, is a reasonable price (especially considering how long it will last), has lots of inner pockets for organizing, and best of all (in my opinion) you can carry it by the handle at the top even if the the main flap is not clipped.
My fiance will take everything out and reload the dishwasher sometimes after I have loaded it. His brother did it to me once too at his house. Weirdos.
I love Tom Bihn’s cafe bags! They come in all sorts of colors and are made in the US (right down to the fabric). I have both the small and medium sizes. The small is perfect for all the essentials, plus a Kindle or paperback. I used the medium to tote my Nikon camera (plus everything from my small bag) around Victoria BC and it was perfect. You can look through their photo gallery to see all that people fit in the different size bags. One of my favorite features is the key strap, so you don’t have to go digging around for your keys.
Hi Michelle,
That’s one of the of the best pictures of the moon I’ve ever seen! And of course, Joseph is sooooooo cute, as usual! Thanks for sharing!
I love my Kavu bag!! Plenty of pockets, and ny hands are always free.
Those baking charts are amazing – thank you for sharing them!
Cross body bags are the way to go when also carrying a kid and diaper bag. I have this bag and have used it over a year and love it. http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2242778/relic-erica-large-crossbody-bag.jsp
I have a Tumi crossbody bag which I have come to love. I use it only when we’re traveling, because it has enough space for passports, itinerary, glasses case, wallet, small pill box, different currencies. The outside slip pockets are great for holding a phone. The leather is beautiful, the shoulder strap is a good size for me. I have started carrying it every day, but am looking for another so I can ‘save’ this for travel use.
Such a great photo of the moon! I love the moon but find it hard to photograph it. Any tips?
Hi Laura, Thank you! I use a 70-300 zoom lens and turn down the shutter speed as low as I can without getting shake (I don’t use a tripod). I also put the ISO on 100. I hope that helps!
I’ve been on your mailing list for quite some time. The last few weeks, I have not been receiving Friday Things. Have you heard from others with the same situation? I always look forward to Joseph’s weekly photo. Hope it can be resolved. I get all other posts from you, just not Friday’s.
Hi Nancy, Oh no! I have not heard about it from anyone else, but I will definitely look into it, thank you for letting me know.
Sooner than you will realize, your precious Joseph will be crawling. I read an article many years ago about how to properly baby-proof your home. Among other things, it recommended that you get down on the floor on your hands and knees, traveling to the areas your baby will access so you can see from their perspective and find hazards. My son was way past that stage but it made perfect sense to me. Just a thought. Happy Birthday to Duke.
P.S. Gorgeous photo of the moon!
I would steer you toward a backpack purse. Love mine.
I really enjoy your blog! For a cross-body I love Kate Spade bags. Even though the style may not be a traditional cross body,the long strap allows it to be worn that way. The leather wears very well tool. I usually go to the shoe cobbler and have them punch a few more holes in the strap, to make strap even longer (but I’m tall, so need the length!) . Happy 4th of July to you and your family from a Canadian reader
Oh, my goodness! That photo of the moon is OUTSTANDING!!!
I second a Timbuk2 bag. I just had my second boy in early December and needed/wanted a cross body bag for my everyday carry (I hate purses and do not like to carry them, but finally succumbed years ago to a fossil purse which is now too small). I bought the Valencia from amazon (so I could return it if I decided it was indeed too big) and love it. It is big for some days when I’m alone and just carrying my wallet, but most days it’s great for snacks for my toddler and toys/blanket/diaper/wipes for my 7 month old, plus my phone, wallet, and a few other items. It has an interior water bottle holder (small, but great for a kid water bottle or even sippy cup) and an exterior pocket where I put my water bottle when I want it.
I also have the JJ Cole Linden diaper bag (a gift) which I love and can be worn cross body but for every day use it’s probably a little big.
Hi Michelle, Vera Bradley has a variety of crossbody bags, but my personal favorite is their Mailbag. I love it, and I have quite a few of them in various patterns. As you probably already know, there is a Vera Bradley store at Ross Park Mall, and they also have a Vera Bradley outlet at Grove City. Thanks for sharing all of the cute pictures of Joseph, as well as Duke and Einstein, too. Have a very Happy 4th of July!!!
Better Life Bags! http://www.betterlifebags.com They’re custom bags with a cause! Rebecca Smith started the company in a low income part of Detroit and hires women who need the financial help and work. When you order a bag, it comes with a card that tells you about the woman who made your bag. I have the Molly bag and LOVE it! You can pick your fabrics & leathers so it’s a “uniquely you” bag!
Love that moon shot! Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing that baking chart link….looks like it will come in handy! Have a great holiday weekend with your family!
My go-to for crossbody bags is Vera Bradley. They have several styles that are just the right size: not too big and not too small. And VB bags are lightweight and washable. I’m currently using the Triple Zip Hipster and I’ve been loving it.
http://www.verabradley.com/product/triple-zip-hipster-crossbody/classic-black/1003478_198749.uts
Michelle,
Joseph looks adorable, as usual. Happy Birthday to Duke. I can’t believe he’s two already. I hope he shared with Einstein.
Happy 4th of July.
Annamaria
Thirty-one’s Organizing Shoulder Bag is my absolute favorite crossbody! It looks small but you will be amazed at how much it will hold! I can carry everything that I had in my much larger pocketbook and it’s organized so I know exactly where everything is!
Have you thought about a backpack? You can go leather or non-leather depending on how much you want to spend. It leaves you totally hands free which is great-love it. I currently have 2-a Cole Haan leather bag I actually acquired at a garage sale for $5 and a Baggallini which can come in fun colors.
I look forward to Friday Things every week to see the pictues of that sweet baby & all the awesome tips! The 27 Amazing Charts That Will Turn You Into A Baking Whiz — I needed this like 10 yeas ago! Awesome tips I’ve already forwaded this out o all my baking friends :) Thank you!!!!!! Happy 4th!
I don’t know if this is big enough for you, but I used the Travelon Anti-Theft Flap Front Shoulder Bag when I went to Italy. It was large enough that the main pocket held a bottle of water, tissues, the huge guide book, my phone, the passports, and all sorts of odds and ends. The company also makes other styles that might suit your needs better.
http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Front-Shoulder-Black/dp/B00CBSW0GG/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1435929886&sr=8-7&keywords=travelon
The Morgan Crossbody from Fossil is wonderful. I’ve had mine for 2 years now – originally bought it for our honeymoon in Europe. It holds everything, but isn’t bulky. Lots of pocket storage. The leather still looks great after lots of wear and tear. Nice wide strap so it doesn’t dig into your shoulder. I love it! http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12052&langId=-1&catalogId=25005&categoryId=331141&cm_vc=331141&pn=&productId=22457339&imagePath=ZB4799216
Check out Queen Bee out of Portland. The Truckette bag is the best – perfect size, durable, comfortable, and so cute. A bit more pricy but they last forever.
I always look forward to your post every Friday.. You have such cute pics of your little boy and your 2 adorable doggies . And I love your home. So cozy!!
Your baking stuff was very helpful, although I could be wrong, they left out 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch when replacing cake flour .
3/4 cup of all purpose flour and 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch equals -1 cup of cake flour
Just an FYI
For a well made, reasonably priced ($30-$40) cross-body bag, I highly recommend JCPenney’s collection of Liz Claiborne bags. I get almost all my handbags there. Huge selection and gorgeous colors. I took a look-see at the MZ Wallace ones, but they are VERY expensive. Happy 4th!
Those sweet little baby toes and fingers! Joseph is cuter and cuter by the week! And Duke & Einstein are so handsome too! Can’t you just hug each of them and not let go? What is Sunbather? Where do you get it? I’ve never heard of it, so I’m really curious . . . and maybe a little hungry ;)
Sunbutter is the sunflower seed version of peanut butter. I know a lot os folks who are allergic to peanuts use it in place peanut butter. I have ssen it at Trader Joes and most grocery store as well.
Hi Michelle, Sunbutter is the sunflower seed version of peanut butter. You can get it the regular grocery store near the peanut butter. It’s great!
I am a huge fan of the Vera Bradley “Hipster Crossbody”. I have been using the same one for almost 2 years and absolutely love it. Not sure if that is the size you’re looking for but it has worked perfectly for me … you can even shorten the strap to use as a regular bag if you want, but I have found with a baby in tow the cross body is perfect! (There are lots of sale patterns that tend to be much less expensive than the regular ones…) Thanks for all of your great posts – I really enjoy your blog!
Loved the baking charts…so much information that can be really helpful.
I also have to say…the picute of Einstein is amazing. His coat is beyond beautiful. Is it weird to have “hair envy” of a dogs coat?
Enjoy the long weekend!
Gosh, my favorite part of your Friday things is Joseph’s picture every week. He is so darn cute, aaah can’t take it! Sweetness, sweetness.
Vera Bradley has a large variety of different sizes cross body bags in both fabric/print and non-fabric. There is an outlet store at Grove City so you might be able to find something there.
Have great holiday weekend!!
Sadly, the dishwasher article at the Wall Street Journal is paywalled.
Oh no! I don’t subscribe to their website… that article showed up on my Facebook news feed and I was able to click on it and read it just fine.
You can’t read it but there is a video you can watch for free.
My all-time favorite cross body bags are from MZ Wallace. Super sassy, lots of styles, lightweight, great colors. I have lots of them. My favorite for everyday is called the Paige.
I was just coming on here to recommend MZW too! I too also love the Paige as an everyday cross body bag! Right now I’m carrying the small sutton which has been my favorite weekend bag this summer!
For a bag: I recommend timbuk2. Great crossbody messenger bags, and you can customize them to your liking. They are made in San Fran, and have a lifetime guarantee. I’ve had mine over a year, use it every day, and load it up like crazy (carries my lunch bag, carafe of coffee, etc), and it shows no wear. You can even get camera bag inserts! On the pricier side, but very worth the money.
YES! I’ve worn cross-body bags of various makers and styles (just wore out a Columbia bag that was a bit on the small side) for ten years and finally picked up a Timbuk2. LOVE it. It’s tough, it’s purple, and it’s big enough to shove a book inside but still doesn’t weigh much without the book. My son’s got a Timbuk2 courier bag I bought for my ex eons ago. Still looks new.
I was going to post about Timbuk2 bags also! I have a large cross body bag and then a smaller one. They are both great options! The smaller one I use more frequently now because I can use it as a purse.
I have this one from Timbuk2 and I absolutely love it! My only little complaint is the one side doesn’t have a piece of velcro or zipper so I wind up adding more things to that pocket that I want.
http://www.timbuk2.com/customizer#/product/17-custom-maya-shoulder-bag/size/4/customize