Category: Life

Stop, grab the camera, and shoot

I find it hard to remember to take out my camera and take casual snapshots. I think part of the reason why is that my beautiful camera is so cumbersome, but I also find it hard to take nice portraits inside with artificial light. I much prefer taking outdoor shots with this particular camera. Is it the camera body, the lens, the settings I use? I’m not really sure.

I just know right now I’m finding it hard to 1) get motivated to take pictures and 2) remember to stop, grab the camera, and shoot.

Some recent events at our house that I did not take pictures of (and, of course, wish I had):
+ Poker night tournament (with two types of quiche and banana bread)
+ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD release party (popcorn and hot apple cider)
+ After work dinner party (enchilada casserole and ice cream sundaes)

While I hope to take beautiful “posed” photos of the baby when s/he arrives, I am worried about missing all those wonderful spontaneous moments that I’d love to capture because they make for great memories. I think we need a camera that takes superior pictures, but is compact enough to fit in the diaper backpack. (At the same time, we’ve been talking about getting a digital video camera… We’ll see which purchase happens first or if we can roll the two together. I’m really hesitant to spend any extra money right now… thought I am tempted by Flip Video.)

What are your thoughts on my camera conundrum?

Tonight my friend Natalia is coming to visit. I hope I do better and get at least one shot of us together.

UPDATED: David took a photo of us together! I’ve included the shot from last year for comparison purposes. (Thank goodness my new “softness” is the result of pregnancy!) We had a great time together. (As always.)
Natalia and I

Holiday Gift Ideas

It’s a good thing we’re not planning on spending any extra money this holiday season (hello, baby just around the corner!) or I would be all over these items. Instead perhaps you’ll enjoy them. I threw in a flew splurge items to shake things up too.


Organic Pussy Willow Wreath, VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer, Flor Modular Carpet Tiles


Ceramic Measuring Cups, Hand-Spun Lambswool Wrap, Mary Jane Crocs


Tree House Print, Heather Bailey’s Trash Ties, Ripple Ring


24-7 Reusable Bags, Rock Solid Tipi, LOMO blue supersampler camera


Le Creuset Caribbean Round Dutch Oven, Tiffany Signature Ring, Domino Magazine, Jagged Flower Silhouette Note Cards

We also have a ton of holiday gift ideas over at our Blog Tribute to Audrey Hepburn.

In a related shopping vein, does anyone have a comfy backpack to recommend? We’re planning on forgoing the typical diaper bag in lieu of a diaper backpack and would love some suggestions! (Ditto for a digital video camera! We’re saving up for one of these!)

The upshot of memory-loss

I’ve found a benefit to my pregnant-induced, terrible memory. Today grapefruits arrived in the mail and I was so surprised! Last week I knew they were coming — Dad called to ask how many to order for us this Hanukah — but I *totally* forgot about them by this week. So, when that yellow box from Pittman and Davis showed up on our front porch, I hooted with excitement, did a little dance and got pumped to eat some grapefruit. (Thank you, Spritzer family!)

For those of you who don’t know, grapefruits are big in the Spritzer household. Every winter a case would arrive at the house for Hanukah and we’d slowly work our way through them. We’d peel and eat them with Dad, a special father-daughter ritual that I loved. (Grapefruits also tend to show up at special events, like after my bridal shower — see the last photo in the set). We Spritzers just can’t get enough of them.

Nowadays grapefruits are an indulgence. I buy them when I am really in the mood for them or as a special treat. Something to savor. They tend to be just too expensive for every day eating.

So now, thanks to my family, we have a case of them to enjoy. Oh, I am in heaven. Excuse me while I go peel one. I’m going to eat it while I enjoy the rest of our Hannukah presents from Mom and Dad (another Spritzer tradition: books for gifts!).

We are so going to make grapefruit and avocado salad this week.

Rainy weather, cozy socks.

Love cool, rainy Northern California winter days. Just the perfect weather for staying warm, drinking tea, and being with friends. And today I enjoyed all three things. After yoga class, three of us (plus two babies!) walked over to a local tea shop and had some social time. (Yes! Mamas can have a social life after babies are born!) I loved the tea shop — all organic! super cozy! so delicious! Just the perfect winter destination. And so nice meeting and getting to know new people. I think I am going to totally embrace the whole mama-baby playgroup thing.

California window surprise

All across the web, folks are posting photos of first snows… while here in California it’s just beautiful. Granted we’ve finally turned on the heat in the house… but look at the gorgeous sight greeting me this morning from our bathroom window!

p.s. Guess who has the hiccups? I know, I keep posting about this. It happens at a minimum of five times a day now. Always in the same spot. I think our baby is already wedged in there — luckily in perfect birthing position!