two summer staples

yes, the white jeans may be on a lot of lists, but how about the grey sweatshirt.  i've had this lightweight j crew version for years and it's worn in to nearly a second skin.  funny thing is that as i am writing this, i just realized i'm currently wearing it with these cozies.  versions of the grey ss can be found just about anywhere at any price range.  i have a f21 back-up that i swooped for $14.99.  throw one on over just about anything....from swimming costume (term courtesy of my hub) to a dress...this layering piece should always be on closet stand-by and in your weekend getaway bag.

happy three-day weekend!

love capturing my little bestie in mid beach frolic

season finale

last night, i cried watching The Office Retrospective which aired prior to the finale.  the actors were so emotional and i can only imagine what it must feel like for a nine year project to come to an end.  especially one where you are surrounded by so many funny people.  one where you kiss and hug your co-workers, yell and scream, and are physically intimate, whether it comedic or romantic.  in this retrospective they showed auditions and scenes from season one and the actors look so young.  another reason this made me a little sad as i realized how much younger i must've looked nine years ago - something my children often point out when looking at my wedding photo. we all know that time is passing but sometimes it takes a silly little show to remind one just how quickly.  it seems like just yesterday that i was making my husband act out the jim/pam scene after the casino night episode.  my husband can't do the jim halpert face, but i am sure he was doing it in his head.

vintage postal carrier bag totes

I kicked off Earth Day by attending Chicago's Vintage Garage Sale kickoff and doing my part by purchasing this fun tote made from a vintage french postal bag.  Love the striped lining!

Vintage garage sale is great for a little weekend roaming and a big dose of nostalgia.  I brought the kids so I could show them what their games used to look like, along with typewriters, phones and record players.  The kids expressed their interest by telling me they were glad they didn't grow up when I did - without tvs - when telling them that I DID have tv, they responded,"yeah, but it was black and white, right?"  Yes, honey, that's right.  Not going to prove anything with continuing that one...if they only could see PONG.

capacity

Hello besties...if you are all still out there.  I've been at capacity lately and haven't had time for blogging.   I've been seeing a lot of articles lately on how stress affects your body and I can see it clearly in my face.  I've aged.  A part of it is that my job forces me to run on constant adrenaline.  I like it.  It's challenging.  But when running on adrenaline is combined with trying to juggle all the other areas in my life, it can turn into stress.  I need to take breaks.  To squeeze my kids tighter.  To make them laugh harder.  To have the ordinary boring days that I enjoy so much.  To realize that I can't be two places at once.  I am not complaining.  I am thankful to have this problem of over scheduling.  In light of yesterday's events especially, I have so much to be thankful for. 

Blogging has been on the back burner lately.  Hopefully, I will pop up in you reader again soon, and my comments will appear on your posts. 

I can only write this right now because my **Spoonk** mat is under my neck, I'm sipping green tea, have a thick layer of YES to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream on my face, and laughed and played games with my kiddos before bedtime. Amen to ordinary nights. And peace be with those whose days are not ordinary right now. 

**Promise a post on my spoonk mat soon!

xo

looking outside your closet

Look in another family member's closet for a little fashion inspiration and you never know what you are going to find.  I found a new preppy headband way of my son's tie!

Well, I did in October...I am behind.

price per wear = $0

I found these photos that my son took of me last fall and I decided to post them, unaltered.  Yes, they could be lightened and edited a little, but I love them just the way they are - because they are as he saw me.  Now, I'm pretty sure I was attempting another photo of this oh so versatile dress that I've been telling you all about....

what's with my E.T. fingers?

short cuts

My extra time lately seems to be at a minimum.  A little clue that I'm behind on things?  My kids start drawing me with brown hair - usually it's yellow - like my daughter's.  I'm surprised he didn't draw it half yellow, half brown.  At least I'm rockin that v-shaped smile...that's a good sign.

 

But during those weeks when I need an extra 24 hrs in a day, I appreciate all the time-savers I can get.  Especially in the kitchen.  And I don't mean those over achieving cook ahead tips, I mean true time-savers.

My go-to, once a week meal has been Chili Cubana starting with this as my base (don't judge - it's all natural and contains ingredients that everyone knows and can pronounce).   I usually brown up some meat, but last week, I didn't have the time or the meat, so I added two cans of black beans, one thinly chopped baking potato and one sweet potato (potatoes add some nice bulk to vegetarian chili).  Top with shredded cheese and diced onion and call it a meal.  "Best chili ever," proclaimed the troops.

Then St. Patrick's Day rolls around...and yes, the kids love all holidays, so you need to celebrate somehow.  Luckily, my sister-n-law, sent me this:  Bob's RedMill Irish Soda Bread Mix.  Mixed in some raisins and voila, Kiss Me, I'm Irish! (actually, don't kiss me, just do my laundry)

And because I need to feed my kids a healthy treat, of course, I turned to these No Bake Energy Balls.  Took me all of 7 minutes, including the time it took to toast the coconut. Please don't hate me, gimmesomeoven.com, I didn't have time to take a proper photo (surprise), so I'm using yours.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.  Makes about 20-25 balls.

And, because there is not a shortcut for highlighting my hair (although the camomile tea did work a little), I've carved out a few hours at the salon today - hopefully I won't have to cancel.

 

new style icon

martha stewart, circa her 1960's modeling career.  my favorite inspiring fashion looks.

via huff post - see more

easy snack

No time? Check
Need a healthy snack? Check
Got fifteen minutes? Maybe

This healthy snack idea comes by way of this bestie.

Roasted Chick Peas

Drain, dry and remove skins that are falling off

Spread onto foil covered baking sheet

Cover with 2-3 tsp combination olive and grapeseed oils

Sprinkle with paprika, garlic salt, pepper

Roast at 425 for 15-20 min

Enjoy!

 seeing red....a few instagrams faves

 

i'll be pulling this one out of the archives today....it's for the kids, c'mon

photo by brian sorg

you arrrrgh awesome!

i'm pretty sure my decision to make these homemade valentine's with my son was a result of a major case of mom guilt, temporary insanity, and a slight urge to open that hot glue gun that's been sitting in my closet...in the package.  luckily, my daughter opted for the $1.99 doggie/kitty vtine tattoo pack at walgreens, so we only had to do a little doctoring to those.  these pirate patches, however took a little longer.  not too long though and my son's interest in the glue gun kept him on task.  but let me tell you that my table looks nothing like it does in this how-to video.  nor were my kids falling all over each other with adorable laughs and hugs.  i did put my extra glue sticks in a ball glass jar though. ding!

re-stock..help!

in honor of my birthday tomorrow, i am restocking some closet essentials.  but i could use your help, as i'm pretty sure the j crew ribbed tanks just aren't cutting it anymore.  Anyone?

Favorite tees

Favorite tanks

Favorite fitted boyfriend jeans

and then i need your help with simple black pumps.  i purchased the first ones, despite the fact that the sales guys brought them to me with a "now, I hope you don't think these are too old ladyish because they are really comfortable."  not knowing what to make of that, especially after i had been accosted by the supersales girl (think cape with a bid S on it) at the premiere skin kiosk.  two minutes into her demo (who am i to reject some extra miracle serum), she asked, "what are you, like 25?" to which i could not contain my laughter and neither could she really - appreciating her sales effort, but calling her bluff, i walked away with half my face looking 10 years younger, while the other stayed the same.  not really, but moving on.  after trying on several pairs of pumps - and having the sales guys actually ask me,  in complete seriousness, if i had ever walked in pumps before, i went with the "comfortable" option.  but after just now googling them for a photo here, i realize that the name contains FLEX...never a good sign when trying to get a little sexy on for a saturday night event.  Shoot.....HELP!

Attilio Giusti Leombruni Patent Flex Pump

 

the second option that i left behind.  second verse, same as the first, but a little bit sexier?  

vince camuto

any recommendations for a sexy pump that i can actually walk in, dance in, stand in for four plus hours?
 

Farmacopeia

Some of my fave local farmers have donated to this amazing workshop on East Asian Medicinal Herbs this afternoon.  And they are pairing this amazing menu with my favorite organic Bonterra wine.  Cue the mouth watering...

happy february

PLAY Comme des Garçons® Converse® sneakers

the dress that keeps on giving

when i originally wrote a post on this dress, i wanted to shout that everyone should have it in their closet.  hands down, it is the most versatile item in my closet...and, the best part, it's comfy cozy.  the sweatshirt material (hello?) is disguised by a great, classic cut and pockets, no less.  because the fabric is so non-seasonal, the possibilities are endless.  this was taken in the summer (looking like a drowned rat waiting for a cab in an nyc downpour), but i wore it in the fall with a leather bomber jacket and booties, solo with ballet flats, with a black under tee, tights and boots, with flips, to a cocktail party, to run errands, to work, to a garden party to an evening work event - the below pic was taken before an event at the MOMA - see what i mean?  from the MOMA to a street fest...the list goes on and on.

and i'm bringing this all up because i just saw that madewell brought the dress back, but now in short sleeve, which i think is even cuter and hipper.  besties, price per wear is in th negatives....just sayin.

madewell sweatshirt dress $118

does this come in my size?

the perfect little red dress.  exposed zipper.  pleated sleeves.  black skinny belt.

 zara kids dress 

on sale $19.99!  great for v-tines day or next holiday season.

surprisingly, this madewell dress comes pretty close!

life is a joke

It's a shoot week for me which basically means my room is a mess and I'm drinking real cokes, a ton of coffee and pretty much anything and everything.  It's like I've made up some justification that when I'm on a shoot, I have free reign to eat as much junk food as possible.  I eat things that I would never eat on my non-shoot days - and that's pretty much the other 70% of my life, give or take a percentage or two because I'm not really counting.  A shoot week also means I'm stressed.  No matter how big or small, I never get a good sleep the night before the first day.  So, when it comes to the last day, I need to detox and do something to relieve stress.  And a big stress reliever for me is laughter.  I love SNL, Portlandia and the good sit-coms, but I also love stand-up.  For some reason though, I had never been to Zanies, a comedy club in my neighborhood until a bestie invited me a few months ago.  We were in the audience for the filming of a new reality show on the OWN network called, My Life is a Joke.  You can see me getting out all that stress in this lovely shot of me with my mouth open.  Yep, that's me, catching my two seconds of fame...and downloading all those worries. Snap.  The comics were really funny - you should check out the show.

Thank you thank you thank you for all your votes!

Made it into the Top 25 for the second year with your help.

xo

pre-workout routine

I am hoping my current obsession with facial products is not a sign of a nearing mid-life, but it's possible. Considering a friend and I discussed botox (i would never) vs Neocutis Luminiere Biorestorative anti-aging eye cream .5% vs La Prairie (contains caviar - what?) over margs the other day is not a good sign.   However, our convo did take a turn to the Bachelor, so we brought it back down to our early 30's level again - I mean 20's.  Actually, I think I'm about 29 in my head.

Moving along to my latest product post...

I've been hitting the gym in the mornings after dropping the kids at school.  Being that we are usually in such a rush, I can barely get dressed, let alone look in the mirror.  And let's face it, my nightly face wash resolution was over on Jan 2 (I don't think I wake up on the zombie walk from the couch to bed) and I've been walking into the gym sporting leftover makeup face.  Not only is it not pretty, I don't feel energized.  And after a workout on the "textmill" as my husband as coined it, my face just feels dirty.  So, I've established a pre-gym routine to wake up me and my facial pores.   It's invigorating, makes me feel ready for a workout, and takes two minutes.

Step one:  Exfoliate

Step two:  Hydrate (combine 2/3 Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion -or any lighter lotion- and 1-2 drops of jojoba oil)
The lightness of the sea buckthorn lotion combined with the hydrating oil instantly brightens the face and gives it a pre-workout glow. 

 

More on my post workout facial routine tomorrow.

Last 24hrs hours to VOTE for Goodies&Besties for the Circle of Moms top 25 Fashion and Beauty blogs.  It's been a tight race and I feel like I need to sport some "vote for me" buttons today - 8th grade student council style. 

baby faves

maclaren stroller in central park

When I was pregnant and having babies, to say that I fully researched baby products is probably an understatement.  I've been meaning to share some of our favorite products; the ones that have stayed with us.

MACLAREN TRIUMPH

Lasted us six years through disney, d.c., nyc, and our own urban adventures.

It would still be with us if I didn't leave it at the green city market one day.

See what happens when I don't meet my coffee quota?  I know, who loses a stroller?

 STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP CHAIR

The life chair.  We have two of these in black and they still look great at our kitchen table. 

Free of straps and contraptions, the chairs are now in the bid kid position and also comfortable for adults. 

 

REX ROCKER - DWR

This folding rocker is perfect for small spaces.  We definitely didn't have space for the big, cushy recliners that you often see in nurseries, but this did the trick.  Especially after dawning it with a comfy sheepskin throw.  Sleek and modern, it now sits in our family room and it's my favorite spot.

 

SHEEPSKIN THROW - DWR

i have several of these.  the coziest and can be used as a throw or rug.  i love throwing them over leather couches too for a soft touch.

  

Blog to watch

My dear bestie, fwb, who made cameo appearances here, has just launched a new style blog, Two Way Mirrors.  The concept is genius as it's a She Said, He said commentary on her fashions and outfits.  The HE is her pretty hilarious husband, but I think he has a rockstar style all his own.  Perhaps they'll reveal it someday, but for now, the HE comments accompany my morning joe nicely with some good laughs and the SHE comments inspire me to put in that extra little effort.  Must read.

via two way mirrors

besties, there's five days left to vote!

thanks for all your support to keep me in the top 25 so far!

iLighting

While spending a two hour stint in the Apple store with the kids, only to be told that my phone needed replacing, a trip to the bathroom was inevitable.  Even kids need a break from the iPad table and every kid needs to go to the bathroom at the most inopportune time.  So, down the elevator we went into the clean new iBathrooms.  While waiting on the peanuts, I noticed that the iLighting was not so stellar.  Weird for such a modern, sleek store, I thought.  As I struggled to get the shadow off of my face, I moved my head back and forth only to realize that it it followed me.  It wasn't the iLighting and the shadows were circles.  Dark, purple circles like that of cinema makeup outlined the base of my eyes.  The circles stayed with me to the next morning and nothing could cover the purplish blue hue.  Scanning my bathroom, my eyes landed on the only product that cured my daughter's diaper rash three years ago.  Desperato - I grabbed it.  It's a very think, very white, illuminous-esque paste.  But when applied, it becomes thinner and the bottom line is that it worked.  Three dots of Benefit's high beam on top and I was good as gold.  Well, maybe silver.   I'm a big fan of finding multiple uses for the products that take up my husband's shelf on the medicine cabinet.  iSorry, dear.

Lucky Magazine published an article in this month's issue titled:   

The 6 Secrets of Wide-Awake Eyes

#4:  There's a vein just above the inner corner of your eyes, almost at the bridge of your nose.  Hit tht with a dab of concealer and your eyes will look significantly more awake.  

Now,  I'm not seeing a vein, more like a wrinkle, but I applied on the inner corners/ almost bridge of nose and saw a slight difference.  Will definitely do this from now on.  Especially when my shadow follows me.

Need your votes to stay in the Top 25!

Thank you for all your blog loving support!

xo

yes, tina fey, whatever you say!

Did you watch the Golden Globes?  After I had finally gotten the kids to sleep and poured myself a little white wine spritzer (no comments, please), I cozied up on my lambskin rug and went to "my shows" to watch from the beginning.  Unfortunately, my overbooked tivo chose 60 Minutes over the Globes (wha?) so I had to start 45 minutes in.  During commercials, I watched the opening monologue online after seeing on FB that Tina and Amy killed it!  Those are two fabulously funny women!

I watch the awards shows to see all the fun dresses, hairstyles, and, of course, who wins what.  But I realized that the major takeaway for me is the inspiration that you get from people who have followed their passion in a competitive field (I've sat in commercial casting sessions and seen one hundred people audition for one roll) and the speeches and thank yous that convey this.  Those people are all at the top of their game in their profession. Some have worked harder than others, but most have stories about how they started and had to work for their success.  I can ride on the hope for quite awhile to keep me motivated - it's the same feeling you get after watching a good movie, one that stays in your mind for awhile, makes you think, and inspires you to take that next step towards something, anything.

Two days ago, Huffington Post published this article:  Tina Fey:  '30 Rock' Star's Success Secret: 'Say Yes'
 
"Say yes, and you'll figure it out afterward" has helped me to be more adventurous. It has definitely helped me be less afraid.  -Tina Fey

Simple advice, yet inspiring enough for a good kick to get up and do what you want to do.  Go for it.  The only time is now.

via

Don't forget to get your votes in this week!
xo

La Colombe.  Hands down the best cappuccino in Chicago.  West loop.  Check it.

Don't forget to vote! You can still vote once daily through January 23rd!

Happy Friday.