He was born on an early fall day. One of only two boys in the florescent lit nursery. Surrounded by women he took on the role of charmer. Telling them what they wanted to hear and gladly giving up his binky for them.
As he got older his dreams were filled by the need to be a rock star. He lied on his changing table practicing his air guitar for hours. He met a young lady at the playground who told him of the rough life of mothers. The lack of sleep. The clothes covered in spit-up. He took to staying in his crib all day and preaching about mothers rights to his stuffed animals. He took this mission to his onesie and shouted it from his stroller.
As he began daycare his independence blossomed. He was introduced to the world of Hip-Hop and asked that we call him DJ Poopy Pants. We refused. He also began stating his love of nudity and felt that wearing clothes and diapers made him part of a "system" that "he did not agree with". Oh, and yes - he did do air quotes when he said this.
He took his message to social media outlets. He was friended by many but eventually he realized that he needed to step back as he was becoming bigger than the message. He went away and then tried his hand at being a Superhero.
Unfortunately, being so young, he was not aware of the rules of copyright and was quickly sued by Marvel over the right to use the name Captain America. He was devastated and found himself spending time in places he shouldn't.
After much guidance from his older sister he realized that he had to accept his fate. He had many years ahead of him to be a man of the people. He finally accepted it. He lied down and once again used his onesie to spread this message...
Now, at almost one-year-old he is finally on his feet and ready to truly take on the world. One step at a time...
Is this the end or is it just time to move to a larger size?
Stay tuned...
August 30, 2011
The Story of a Boy...Through Onesies
August 26, 2011
Have You Heard About This "Facebook" Thing?
Since it is 2011 I figured it was a good time for MaxxSilly to catch up and join the Facebook, or as my dad calls it "Spacebook". Over on the left there is a button that will lead you to the fabulous Facebook page. Please feel free to "like" it. If you don't like it that is alright too. I'll be devestated, but don't let that ruin your day.
Liking MaxxSilly on FB will also be an advantage when it comes to giveaways and such. You know, like when you win the rapid fire challenge on Top Chef and then get advantage in the next round. I'm just saying. No pressure. I'll just cry myself to sleep tonight.....sigh.
BTW - how awesome is this Facebook propaganda poster? It's by Just One Scarf Design and you can see more at his Etsy shop.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay safe...there is a hurricane coming!
August 25, 2011
Craft Supplies: Hurricane Edition
Hey. Did you here? There is a big storm coming this way. So far this summer we have witnessed record breaking heat, tornadoes, earthquakes and now a hurricane. Should I prepare myself for locusts?
Well since we are getting ready to hunker down for a weekend of wild weather I thought it best to make sure my "Keep a four-year-old busy without electricity kit" was ready. Last time we had a huge storm, Lilly was a few months old and we had no power for 3 days. I figured it's best to be on top of this one. So, this is what I have stocked up on.
Basics: crayons, colored pencils, paper (copy and construction), scissors, glue and Play-Doh...plus:
Coloring books: We have a ton of them. I often pick them up in the Dollar Spot section of Target. They have characters she is familiar with and these are always good stocking stuffers. Right now you can kind some Curious George and Babar ones available.
Yarn: One afternoon in the yard Lilly and I started wrapping fallen tree branches with yarn. There was no reason to do it but it was fun and kept her busy for a good 40 minutes. I picked up some small wooden dowels at the dollar store and think we might make some God's Eye crafts.
Sewing cards: We love these. I found some in a thrift store a few years ago and they are our go to rainy day activity. Cathe at Just Something I Made has printable ones available.
Also good to have: magazines, pasta, comic books, newspapers, markers (fabric ones are always a hit).
How do you keep little ones busy when the weather is not cooperating?
August 24, 2011
MaxxSilly Loves: Color Me Katie
It's hard to find people who are genuinely happy in this world. People who have fun ways of expressing themselves and not caring what others think. When I am in a crappy mood I like to browse Katie's blog Color Me Katie.
Talk about going to a happy place! Katie is an artist and photographer. She has the ability top use something as simple as paper to change a whole mood. She makes great creations and then photographs them on her fun blog. She has also taken this project to the streets of her Brooklyn neighborhood where she has created fun street art guaranteed to put a smile on people's faces.
Great job Katie. Keep up the HAPPY work!
August 23, 2011
Geekiest. Post. Ever.
This will officially be the geekiest post of the week, well after the fact that I bought my children matching Star Wars t-shirts and then tried to talk Lillyana into letting me do her hair like Princess Leia when she wore it. Guess what...it didn't happen.
I digress. I am obsessed with Tetris. I have it on my phone. I have it downloaded to the Wii. If I walk into a lobby with a tiled floor I go into "Beautiful Mind" mode where I start twitching and making odd faces.
I digress. I am obsessed with Tetris. I have it on my phone. I have it downloaded to the Wii. If I walk into a lobby with a tiled floor I go into "Beautiful Mind" mode where I start twitching and making odd faces.
Well, I just found Tetris fabric and I am so excited. I was browsing Spoonflower's site - which by the way is my new obsession - and there it was. After doing some more research I found that Erin over at Dress A Day whipped up a little garment made of this fabric. I love it.
How cute would this look as a skirt? With all the blocks falling to the bottom. I am very tempted...
Do you want to throw me in a locker because this is the geekiest post ever?
How cute would this look as a skirt? With all the blocks falling to the bottom. I am very tempted...
Do you want to throw me in a locker because this is the geekiest post ever?
August 22, 2011
Thrift Benefit Swap
You all know how passionate I am about thrift stores for the deals and one of a kind items I get. I also love that the money I spend is often going to a good cause. Here in Worcester we have Abby's House Thrift Store. This Saturday (8/27) Abby's is having a Benfit Swap. Here is the info:
What: Swap personal usefuls/toiletries for clothing from our Thrift Shop.
Where: Abby's House Thrift Shop, 52 High Street Worcester, MA 01609
When: Saturday August 27, 2011, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
How: Arrive any time after 9:30 a.m. and drop off your bag of donated items. Drop off and pay entry fee to receive armband. $5 with donation bag, $10 without donation bag
Bring a bag of personal usefuls including 5 or more of the following:
plastic wrap/aluminum foil, paper towels, toilet paper, paper napkins, tissues, feminine sanitary items, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, soap, body wash, hand soap, hand sanitizers
Please be sure personal items are new, unused, and have not expired! Donated swap bags will be checked and accepted at designated drop off times only.
With your donation you will receive a trash bag sized bag, provided by Abby's House Thrift Shop, and you will be able to fill it with clothing and accessories, including dresses, suits, skirts, blazers, jackets, sweaters, tops, slacks, shorts, jeans, scrubs, PJs, bathing suits, active wear, shoes, purses, bags, and luggage. *Additional trash bags may be purchased for $5.00 each.
There will be a line to get in beginning at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.!
Drop off and admission will continue until 1:30 p.m. First come, first served!
Why: To support Abby's House Emergency Shelter and to have fun in the process
This is a great cause and a great way to save a little extra cash. I have found some amazing items at Abby's including Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic skirts, vintage dresses and home items.
August 17, 2011
Pumped Up Kicks, Old Photos & Elevator Talk
It seems like a good time to share some things I am loving right now.
The song "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. Makes me want to go to the beach and dance. It doesn't hurt that they all look like they came out of a JCrew catalog.
The website Dear Photograph. A friend on Facebook (thanks Kate) introduced me to it and I am totally hooked.
The now-no-longer-tweeting account of @CondeElevator. Love hearing what all the ladies from Vogue are talking about in the elevator. Yes, there must be a special occasion to eat an omelet.
The song "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. Makes me want to go to the beach and dance. It doesn't hurt that they all look like they came out of a JCrew catalog.
The website Dear Photograph. A friend on Facebook (thanks Kate) introduced me to it and I am totally hooked.
The now-no-longer-tweeting account of @CondeElevator. Love hearing what all the ladies from Vogue are talking about in the elevator. Yes, there must be a special occasion to eat an omelet.
Thrift Embroidery Art
A few months ago I found this animal embroidery at Savers for $5. I knew it would look great in Lillyana's room but, as you can see it was in pretty bad shape. It had a horrible frame, but as they say - "good bones". The fabric was stained from the poor frame quality. I figured a little light soak would help get the stain out and even if it didn't the $5 was still worth it.
I unframed the piece to find it was stained from water spots that had leaked though the frame. After a good soaking (gentle cycle w/ Oxyclean), there was quite a difference, but still not enough to make me happy (My goodness I am a pain in my own tush!). Time to bust out the hard core Oxygel. It was important to be really careful because the embroidery floss could run if it was washed too much and with the wrong product. After another was we had a winner. I let the piece air dry and went over it with a warm iron.
Now onto the frame. The size was pretty specific so I went through the yard sale frame stash I have - don't judge and found a perfect fit. The brown was not going to work so I sprayed it with American Accents by Rutoleum in Rosewood - a light pink. It took about 4 coats to completely cover the brown. Lilly loved the way it looked because - "Mommy, you know pink is my favorite color right?" - yes...I got that memo.
I bought some acid free foam core and Michael's and cut it to size. I carefully wrapped the piece around the foam core, pulling any wrinkles and making sure it was centered. Secured it with some acid free tape and put it in the frame with no glass.
Here it is hanging on Lilly's wall. It looks really great and adds alot to the space. Not bad for $5! Now - if we could just figure out what the heck V & X are...
August 15, 2011
Summer is...
Wondering where the seeds are in the watermelon.
Leisurely kicking a soccer ball.
Crawling through the grass.
Stealing mommy's shades and lying out on a cool vintage sheet.
Oh, summer...please don't go away.
August 12, 2011
Bye, Bye Helmet
He did it! Alex has completed his plagiocephaly treatment. No more helmet for our little man!
Am I biased to say I think he has a perfectly round head and should be a model hats and such? I'm not? Well, thanks so much.
It is amazing how someone so small can adapt to something so easily. He never fussed or complained. Did not mind wearing the helmet in the brutal heat. In the eyes of a child, life is good!
Am I biased to say I think he has a perfectly round head and should be a model hats and such? I'm not? Well, thanks so much.
It is amazing how someone so small can adapt to something so easily. He never fussed or complained. Did not mind wearing the helmet in the brutal heat. In the eyes of a child, life is good!
He certainly has come a long way. We are so proud of him. Plus it seemed like a great occasion to have cake...well we never really have to have a reason for cake in our house. You should have seen the look on the face of the lady at the market when I requested this.
I had to take a picture of it with my phone - the cake was on the run via a four-year-old before I could get the camera. We will continue the celebration this weekend by covering his head with baseball caps and sunblock! Yahoo!
August 11, 2011
The Beautiful Wedding I Did NOT Attend
Now, I don't normally talk about weddings here on MaxxSilly. But I would be doing a huge disservice to my readers (reader? Sorry Dad.) if i did not share pictures of one of the most beautiful wedding I have ever NOT attended.
I have always admired Kate Moss's style. Her weight, not so much. Her ability to mix vintage and designer has been unmatched and I can't think of an outfit of hers I have ever not liked. Plus she dated Johnny Depp which normally would put her on my "dislike" list, but her wardrobe has saved her. Lucky gal.
Her recent wedding was beautiful and is featured in the September issue of Vogue. PS - thanks for not putting an actress on the cover. Nice work Anna Wintour (who I imagine waits up most nights waiting for a new MaxxSilly blog post).
I would describe this wedding as Jane Austen meets 60's Brit Rock. Love every frame, from the little English Countryside church to the 12 flower girls that walked with her.
I have always admired Kate Moss's style. Her weight, not so much. Her ability to mix vintage and designer has been unmatched and I can't think of an outfit of hers I have ever not liked. Plus she dated Johnny Depp which normally would put her on my "dislike" list, but her wardrobe has saved her. Lucky gal.
Her recent wedding was beautiful and is featured in the September issue of Vogue. PS - thanks for not putting an actress on the cover. Nice work Anna Wintour (who I imagine waits up most nights waiting for a new MaxxSilly blog post).
I would describe this wedding as Jane Austen meets 60's Brit Rock. Love every frame, from the little English Countryside church to the 12 flower girls that walked with her.
What do you guys think?
Image courtesy of Vogue MagazinePS - I will be sharing some of my own wedding pics next month as Mr. MaxxSilly and I celebrate 5 years.
August 10, 2011
Get Your Bloom On
So while we were away our garden really got its bloom on. Get your head out of the gutter. A seven day dry spell and 90 degree heat is really what you need to get those flowers a bloomin'.
We came home to find that four giant sunflowers had bloomed. They are gorgeous and just make me feel so happy. Lilly's response to the bees that were all over them, "Wow mommy, those bees are working hard to get that nectar." Thanks PBS.
A beautiful giant dahlia. It is probably one of the most elegant flowers I have ever seen. I want to wear it behind my ear but it literally bigger than my head.
We came home to find that four giant sunflowers had bloomed. They are gorgeous and just make me feel so happy. Lilly's response to the bees that were all over them, "Wow mommy, those bees are working hard to get that nectar." Thanks PBS.
A beautiful giant dahlia. It is probably one of the most elegant flowers I have ever seen. I want to wear it behind my ear but it literally bigger than my head.
The best part...
We came back to ripe tomatoes! They are so delicious. We have already picked about 20 that were ripe and there are still about 40 on the vine. We cleaned them off and ate them like apples. The growing of veggies has been such a success we are already planning for next year. Cucumbers, tomatoes and maybe some summer squash. Can't wait.
August 8, 2011
Helping You Waste More Time @ Work
It seems like a good time, during these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (ha ha...now it's stuck in your head too!) to share some of the things I am loving on the interwebs. I know you are really just bored at work anyway, so go ahead an kill some time...I won't tell.
A great article on chatting with little girls. I never realized that I did this, although I see it a lot when people say things to Lillyana. I will surely make an effort to not do it now.
A new clothing line from Banana Republic based on Mad Men. Please be careful if you add the pointy bra.
Loved this series from Cup of Jo about balancing work/baby/life.
I am hoping that someone releases this song by Adele and Mark Ronson as a single. It is way happier than the Coldplay original - which I love by the way.
Yes, Will and Jada, I would love to spend a weekend at your Malibu home.
Team Jeff for sure. Especially because I love sandwiches.
And finally...
Because I think it would be awesome to own an ice cream truck. Seriously...is there anyone else that people are always happy to see?
A Week on the Lake
Have I fallen off the face of the earth? No. The family and I had a busy end of July. My little girl turned four and we celebrated with our annual Lillypalooza event. More on that later. Then we headed up north to Lake Winnipesaukee (yes, I had to look up how to spell that) for a little vacation. A nice week sitting by the lake, enjoying sunsets and no computers. I actually read two books - as a parent of two, this is quite exciting to me. BTW - The Hunger Games are my new obsession.
One thing I always do up at the lake is visit Keepsake Quilting an amazing fabric store in Center Harbor. Luckily we needed to do a grocery store run so Mr. MaxxSilly went food shopping while I browsed this little slice of sewing heaven. I dragged him in there one year and he could not find the exit fast enough - this may have been because he was distracted by all of the patterns in his eyes.
To say that this store is a sewer/quilters mecca is an understatement. Every time I walk in my breath is just taken away by the amount and beauty of the fabrics. They carry lines by Michael Miller and Amy Butler along with everything else you can possibly imagine. It truly is heaven. Next year I plan on having a project planned and a list ready so I can stock up.
Photo courtesy of Keepsake Quilting
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