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February 2, 2013  

my heart of hearts

max

max maxmax.alexander  dec.19.2012  9lb.3oz

 

November 6, 2012  

baby balance: kathryn mcguire

I am so excited today to share our first installment of “baby balance”, which comes from one of my oldest friends!  Kathryn is currently pursuing a Masters in Art and Art Education from Columbia, with an emphasis in historical research and museum education.   She has a son, Wyatt, who is almost 2.5 and another little boy on the way due Nov 11th.  Literally any day now!!!  It is so fun to know we’ve gone from being babies together, to having babies at the same time.  Kathryn is one of the first people I went to [with about a billion questions] when I started thinking about having kids.  Her advice totally reassured me, so I hope it is helpful to you all as well!  Enjoy!
1.  You postponed your plans to get your masters at Columbia when you found out you were pregnant with your first.  When did you decide/feel comfortable returning to school once he was born?
I was working full time at the Met and going to graduate school part time when we found out we were pregnant with Wyatt. We had planned on getting married and starting a family relatively young, but on waiting until after I’d finished grad. school, so this was a surprise. I had initially planned on going back to work part time after W was born and taking a year off of grad school, but decided to stay home when my position couldn’t be shifted to allow the decreased hours I’d requested. I went back shortly after Wyatt turned 1 (took a little over a year off), and shifted my degree from a doctorate in education down to a masters, as my tuition was no longer covered through working full time at the Met (a sweet perk).
2.  How do you deal with childcare now that you are a full time student again?
My program is geared towards working professionals, so actually most of my classes are in the evening. We have a regular babysitter who comes and takes care of Wyatt while I’m in class. Tim works late most nights, so Wyatt has come to know and love Ruth as one of the family. She recently graduated undergrad and is in the process of applying to Medical school.
3.  How do you tackle getting work done at home while you are with Wyatt?
We sleep trained Wyatt AGGRESSIVELY after a failed experiment in co-sleeping. He is now a great sleeper and takes a 4-hour nap in the afternoon (knock-on-wood!!!!!), and has done so for almost a year. I use this time to get schoolwork done. When things are overwhelming or I opt to nap/do house work, etc… during that time, I’ll get up early and work before he’s awake in the morning (which means me getting up around 6am- he’s usually up between 7 and 8). I have a strict personal policy where during the day I only read/work for school. At night before bed I read for myself and catch up on all my George RR Martin/Patrick Rothfus novels :) .
4.  Do you plan to return to work once you finish your degree?
I will begin teaching a class Friday evenings at the Met this spring, and hope to finish my degree in May. I am hoping to gradually go back to work and contractually teach in museums throughout the city until it’s time to put new baby in pre-school or something along those lines. I think if the right opportunity came up, I would be willing to go back part time/ full time sooner this time around than I was with Wyatt. I feel like we at least have our feet on the ground as to how to manage a family now.
5.  How do you and your husband make time for yourselves?
When Wyatt was about 6 months old we started having a weekly date night. This was very important to us- to maintain our relationship as husband and wife in addition to that as parents. I think it’s crucial to have the child see the parents enjoy one another’s company. As we get busy date night often falls by the wayside or we would rather just relax at home, so it’s not quite as regular as it used to be, but I would say we still get out at a minimum together once a month. People always comment at how happy we seem when we’re in public, because even making dentist appointments at the same time and getting the sitter can feel like a date. Undivided attention with your sweetheart can never be overrated.
6.  What advice would you give other moms about how to balance work and family?
“Your child is having a hard time, not giving you a hard time.” Keep that in mind when a kid is freaking out or overtired and cranky. It helps ease your mojo so you don’t get frustrated as well. Also tell your husband “happy wife happy life.” Be honest with your partner if you need help or a break, and don’t hold things in passive aggressively. Also encourage your partner to take time and breaks for themselves, too- even if you want them home. They will appreciate the break and reciprocate the favor.
7.  Have you talked to other women who are open about the challenges of motherhood?  Or do you think most try to project the image that they are handling it all easily?
I have a great mommies group and we are all very vocal about every challenge imaginable. I was originally very hesitant to join such a group, but when W was about 2 months old I had serious cabin fever and didn’t know many people in our neighborhood. I got invited to join through an acquaintance who had been in our childbirth class. Now many people have moved and we communicate mostly through email, but it seems every topic that exists has been brought up. I think most women like to commiserate rather than boast, but that that’s just my experience.
8.  What is the best thing about your current work/life/baby balance?
I get to write and do scholarly work while genuinely enjoying time with my toddler and husband. I have no idea how my perspective will change when we’ve got a newborn in a few weeks (days? hours?) and I don’t have that down time in the afternoon, though, so who knows how my tune will change!
9.  What is the worst thing about your current work/life/baby balance?
I miss feeling accomplished professionally- I feel like I still have my foot in the door and will have the opportunity to return soon, but I definitely did love walking into a museum every day.
10.  Name one major thing that has changed about yourself since you became a mother.
I actually feel like I haven’t changed that much personality-wise. I am healthier overall (less cocktail hours), and now have a set routine, whereas I used to be extremely flexible from day to day, but I think that just comes with the territory of navigating a child’s need for normalcy. I curse less, know less about politics, and am an expert in Sesame Street.
October 29, 2012  

music monday

 

 

liars//the exact color of doubt

Today’s music monday is actually a video from Nowness.com of Stephanie Gilmore.  This is not your normal surf video however.  Set to a new track from the band Liars, this black and white footage portrays the softer side of surfing.  Imagine holding your breath and letting the surf engulf you…that is what this song feels like.

Click me to watch the full video.

PS read the whole description of the shoot.  Who knew Devendra Banhart could surf!?

 

 

 

October 26, 2012  

best beach houses – volcom house

[image from espn.com]

This next house isn’t necessarily a feat of architectural wonder.  As the old adage says, it’s all about “location location location.”  If you are an avid surfer, there is no place that you would rather be than Oahu’s North Shore, directly in front of one of the most famous breaks in the world…Pipeline.  In 2007 Volcom expanded their stake of land here by purchasing a second house next door from their current single story dwelling.  This three story, 3,000 square foot house had more appeal than just it’s fabulous location. It was built by none other than surfing legend Gerry Lopez in the 1970s and is probably one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in surfing history. Volcom’s compound now houses the luckiest of their team riders and crew. Just imagine waking up to this view every morning:

While the original house has a reputation for parties, “Gerry’s” house is more mellow and Volcom seems adamant about keeping the legacy of the home intact.  Check out the video for a quick tour of the main house…and every surfer’s dream residence.

September 26, 2012  

best beach houses – josip vuskovic

This house first caught my eye because of it’s precarious location, nestled in the rocky coastline.  Reminiscent of our old buddy Frank Lloyd Wright, this house manages to blend in with it’s surroundings in a very new and modern way.  I love the use of the stone, flanked by the bright white walls that really make this dwelling pop.  Then there are the views!  Night time shows off the city lights to one side of the bay, while the rocky coastline seems to be highlighted from every direction.  I love a good beach house [obviously] but what bores me most is a window that looks out towards a flat ocean.  While clearly an awesome view in comparison to rooftops and telephone polls…it can feel stale without some coastline for scale.  [Think Big Sur vs the Outerbanks.]  This house in Peru certainly doesn’t skimp on the surroundings.  Cozy and modern at the same time, I could definitely see myself waking up here.

*images from architizer

September 24, 2012  

music monday

when i grow up//first aid kit

*photo from sfcritic

Watch the super weird video of the original song by Fever Ray – one half of The Knife.  Which version do you like better?

September 24, 2012  

special delivery

This past week I went home for a baby shower and to show off my ever growing belly.  I had seen several travel themed showers online and fell in love with this one.  I set to work [with LOTS of help from mom] to create my own twist on this Precious Cargo party.  I’ve never been a big fan of super girly baby showers where everyone plays games like “pin the sperm on the egg.”  Seriously, this is a real product?  Horrified, absolutely horrified.  Instead I just wanted to get together with old friends that I haven’t seen in ages and have a good time.  In fact the best part of the evening was discovering two new babies to be are joining the list of Baby Mauer’s new BFFs!  All in all we had 5 pregnant bellies in attendance.

I wanted to make the travel theme specific to my husband and I.  As a navy family we have had the chance to go a ton of cool places.  The food for the evening consisted of snacks from all over the world.  Some dishes represented places we have lived such as California and Hawaii.  Others had a special meaning for our new arrival, like Tokyo…where I have never been, but was where my husband happened to be when he found out I was pregnant.  My parents made banners out of old maps, there was a vintage model plane, and of course Paddington Bear to guide our travels.  I am ashamed to say I took no good pictures of the evening.  Although I guess that is a sign I was having a blast.  Here are the invites and signage I designed for the party though.  Hopefully they give you a feel for the shower.  Thanks again to everyone that came to visit and help set up.  This little baby is going to be one lucky dude with friends like you!

September 10, 2012  

music monday

liquid summer//diamond messages

*photo from comborice

September 6, 2012  

firebird

The other week I talked a little bit about getting back to basics with photography.  There is so much technology out there, it is easy to get caught in the point and shoot routine without thinking through your process.  On the other hand…there is so much technology out there that makes our lives so much easier!  So if you aren’t ready to part with your DSLR just yet, no worries!  Remember that just because everyone has a digital camera does not mean that all digital pictures have to look the same!

 
Case in point: Cheyne over at Firebird Photography.  Seriously.  These pictures are to die for.  While the rest of us are using some Instagram filter to amp up our photos…Cheyne is the real deal.  He is able to take his love of lomography and vintage cameras and bring it to the digital age.  Focusing on everything from hair and wardrobe [he actually handpicks your outfit for you] to lighting and scenery, he perfectly orchestrates each picture.  It just goes to show that a little effort and attention to detail can make the world of difference in your photos.

Two of my friends took pictures with Cheyne, and I got to see the process upclose.  It was so refreshing to hear him talk about the simple things such as light editing.  I know I am guilty of relying on the computer to do my dirty work instead of taking the time to correctly light the subject before snapping.  No smoke and mirrors with Firebird though.  In fact, he even hosts photoshop and lighting workshops in his loft where you can learn some of his tips and tricks.  So if you are in the Hawaii (and sometimes CA) area, totally give them a call to set up a session or see when the next workshop will be.

August 30, 2012  

so your architect needs a present…

My roomate from college [bless her heart] endured 5 years of living with two architects.  This was not an easy task, and I commend her for her efforts.  Yesterday she sent me a very funny link describing the downfalls of buying gifts for the architect in your life.  Speckled with humor, this gift guide did have some real insight, however.  So using “Matters of Taste’s” outline, I thought I would find some presents that the architect in me [and probably your loved one] would be stoked to receive.

garments//

Lululemon vinyasa scarf.  I know what you are thinking.  Clothes from a yoga company?  When do architects have any time to workout?  It’s cool though, not many people need a scarf for their downward dog.  They also come in handy for keeping your neck warm at a chilly office.  Sooo soft and awesome.  Stick with black and grey, although if you are lucky enough to see the herringbone pattern at a store…buy it.  Immediately.

electronics//

I am going to butt heads with “matters of taste” here and say electronics are ok.  As long as they are the low budget/vintage type.  Yes, we probably all already have an iphone.  Even the obligatory Nikon/Cannon for taking those high res black and white cityscapes.  What we may not have is a fun toy camera that leaks light and lets us experiment with double exposures.  You can never have too many of these fun little gadgets.  Really anything from the lomography collection will do, but here are a few fun options.

Diana Baby.  Tiny, purse sized version of the classic. Too cute.

Lomo Fisheye.  Get a new perspective.

Spinner 360.  Let lomo take care of those tricky panoramas for you.  Just pull the string and hold.

Read More…

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