Goodies & Besties

2012-02-15T05:30:00.003-06:00

The bow tie bracelet was a success! I ordered the children's size and it was a perfect fit.

Check out the bowtiecause to see all the great things the organization is doing.

On another note, I've been so behind on emails that I just discovered G n B was nominated to the

Top 25 Fashion & Beauty Moms - 2012 list on Circle of Moms!

If you feel so inclined, head on over and vote (voting button to the right and GnB is #82 on the list)! I'm a little behind since voting began at the beginning of the month, but maybe I can catch up with the help of my besties!

2012-02-14T08:02:00.001-06:00

That'a a wrap for our valentine's production this year.

They are safely packed in backpacks and ready to go!

Organized Chaos

2012-02-10T06:38:00.003-06:00

Besties, I've been working nonstop lately and, unfortunately, this little place falls lower on the priority this when the organized chaos sets in. A few things to wrap up the week:

I did find a few moments to celebrate my Birthday with some of my favorite little people. We had a cake party at 7am (just in case I got home too late, the kiddos would've been crushed)

Thanks so much to Torrie for a lovely audio book recommendation: Diane Keaton's Then Again

Thanks to my husband for my new shades...keeping me hip.

Snapshot of my desk the other night, yes, that's NIGHT

Next week, we will be leaving reality for fantasyland and heading down to Disney World and spending a few days at the beach. Kids' suitcases are packed. Mine is not. And I don't have a gameplan really for Disney, which is stressing me out. Any tips for 3 and 5 year olds.

Note: My sister used to live in Orlando and I would fly there often. I was single, maybe a little bitter, and never looked forward to heaps of kids with mickey ears, spreading out all over the terminal. Now, I am those people. Funny, how time flies.

Do these come in my size?

2012-02-09T01:51:00.000-06:00

I've been seeing some really cute jeggings lately. I don't know if jeggings are sooo 2010, but I'm digging them! They just seem the practical choice when I want to wear my comfy leggings, but don't feel like (or have clean) my usual oversized sweater or sweatshirt dress. I never really glommed onto the trend and don't really care if it's too late. First question, do these come in my size? ONLY if I could time travel.

JODDING Trousers at Garnet Hill Kids

Life Imitates Coffee

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

I had forgotten about this afternoon over the holidays at my parents house. On our way home from a quick coffee date, we noticed the sky distinctly resembling the top of my Cappuccino that I had just admired minutes before.

Artfully foam topped Capp from Coffee Hound

Red Lentil Goodness

2012-01-30T05:00:00.004-06:00

I don't know about everyone else, but we've been fighting colds in our house and they seem to be lingering...and lingering. The other night, I just wanted healthy tasting soup to sip but couldn't find a recipe that matched all the ingredients I had on hand. So, I threw one together, combining ideas from several recipes and I came up with a yummy red lentil soup...it was surprisingly good. Quantities are approximate..

2 tbl Olive Oil
4 carrots chopped
1 celery stalk chopped
1/2 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped

Sautee carrots, onion, celery and garlic in oil, when onions become opaque add:

1/2 box chopped tomatoes (I use Pomi brand - quantity similar to one 14oz can probably)
1 large box Chicken broth
1 cup red lentils
Few shakes cumin
Dried parsley
Salt and Pepper

Bring to boil and simmer...the longer you simmer the thicker it becomes.

Top with shredded parm...because we top everything with parm.

Tie one on...

2012-01-27T06:45:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again for the school auction. New school this year, and as part of the auction they are partnering with the Bow Tie Cause, to create a beautiful silk bow tie that can be purchased and worn to show school spirit. "Ladies, you can buy one too to wear on your wrist!" Well, any macgyver-ish, multi-purpose accessory marketing has me sold in about a second. Anxiously, awaiting to tie mine on....

other takes on the bow tie bracelet

Love this soft leather bow tie bracelet on etsy...unfortunately it's sold out.

Ginger Root Design D.C.

Bow tutorial found on SNAP

Linking up with KORI for Fashion Fridays!

Feeder Fashion

2012-01-26T08:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, if I had a newbie right now, I'd be all over these fun feeder frocks. These just started coming out when I had kids but were not nearly this stylish or fun. They're not enough to make go through another nine months, but they are being filed for my next baby shower gift.

Top of the morning to ya!

2012-01-25T04:00:00.004-06:00

Cultural Fair hosted by thre pre-ker's this week. My daughter's class had Ireland. We ate soda bread, did the jig, sang lullabies in Gailic, and made shamrock necklaces. Then, we came home and had to recreate the entire thing all afternoon...including baking up some soda bread. I found this recipe with a 15 minute prep, which means you can double that in kid prep time, but would've definitely made my 10 and under rule had I been flying solo.

Result: Follow the recipe and you will end up with delicious bread (better than soda bread because who really loves soda bread anyway). I only used about 1/4 cup raisins, mostly because I only had the little travel boxes and my patience with allowing the kids open each box was bordering zero. All in all, a tasty treat on a cold night.

Bake for only 35 minutes when using a regular baking dish.

Wu Wu

2012-01-23T15:44:00.000-06:00

I didn't make the mad Missoni rush. I may just get up early to make the Jason Wu dash.

Super Food

2012-01-18T06:33:00.002-06:00

Super Foods (dah dah dah-dah)

We are all inundated with information on the latest super food, but I can't help passing along which heroes I am ramping up in our house this 2012.

This week it is the walnut.

What I've read about this nut (going off of memory here-not encyclopedia ready)

High in Vitamin E

Significantly reduces risk of heart attack if eaten daily

Reduces risk of skin diseases (including cancer)

It was the third one that sold me as I've talked about my issues with skin cancer.

How to easily incorporate into your diet:

Eat by the handful (easiest)

On yogurt (easiest)

Mix in with this yummy granola recipe (still easy)

Throw 1/2 cup into your pesto (take a little effort)

Illuminating

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

About ten years ago, I worked on a commercial launching a new line for Revlon called Skinlights.

The line had an amazing illuminating moisturizer that created a smooth dewy glow that became the beauty trend of the early millennium. And ten years ago, I was flying free and hadn't a care in the world, and especially wasn't going to look at the ingredients in a product. Fast forward a decade, two kids, and not so dewy skin later, I'm still trying to recreate this discontinued product in a natural way. And I finally found this: Kiss My Face lotion combined with La Mer foundation. I actually think you could combine this lotion with any foundation/concealer and get the same outcome. The combination is light, feels great on this skin, and contains SPF. Sold, sold and sold.

The weekend...

2012-01-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hope that you all had a great weekend.

We went from scooter weather to snowshoe weather overnight.

We took advantage of the snow and got away for a weekend of tubing, sledding, hot chocolating and deer watching.

stripy girls

morning wake-up

morning - wake-up

friends

Mood Swings

2012-01-13T11:25:00.000-06:00

According to super70s.com, The Mood Ring was, along with the Pet Rock, one of the biggest fads of the Super70s. And as with the Pet Rock, there were plenty of imitations floating around.

I never had a pet rock, I did have a mood ring or two.

My six year old niece gave me a heart shaped mood ring for Christmas. I haven't taken it off since (guess I am channeling my inner 70s this year). In fact, on a few certain hectic days prior to the holiday, it was a running joke between my kids and husband (and more funny for my husband) about how often the color (i.e. my mood) changed. Right now, it's mostly blue with a few green and orange sherbet swirls, which according to the chart, means I am mostly calm, averaging on normal, with a hint of daring....(cue the eye squint). And over the holidays, it turned black as night several, well, more than several times and you can check the chart for that mood.

Some fun modern mood rings....the first one is my favorite!

gold mood ring on etsy

Add caption

glow in the dark mood ring from etsy

found here

What color are you today?

Linking up with Kori for Fashion Fridays!

2012-01-12T14:00:00.000-06:00

Just a little obsessed with our friend's lake house decor where we rang in the new year.

Wanted to share a few photos......

It sure is hard getting back into the swing of things...more regular posts to follow, I promise.

Who's reading this anyway?!

Now is now

2012-01-10T20:46:00.001-06:00

So, every new year, I write a list of resolutions. I keep to about half of them...maybe...for about the first month. Then the novelty of the new year slowly comes to an end as winter weather S.A.D. kicks in and my intentions are long forgotten. I did achieve one resolution for 2011 and that was to karyoke in a bar, in front of real people, not just my kids as they back me up (dance-wise) on the latest hit from Glee Wii. And I did it, problem is that I did a duet with a friend. A friend whom I don't know really well...definitely not well enough to know that he is a professional musician!! So, he sounded great...which made me sound kinda great too...but I am not sure if that really counts. I may have to add that to my list for 2012. And that will be the only resolution on my list, well, that and drinking of glass of lemon water every morning (heard it's good for the liver).

Anyway, so I am not doing resolutions this year, because new year, end of the year, middle of the year, life is now. Now is now. And living each day to the fullest, sans expectations, is the plan. We are reminded daily that life is short. Like the other day, I was taking the kids to the park and they were asking, no begging, me to play T-Rex. T-Rex is basically a game where I chase them all around the park as I am pounding my T-Rex feet and trying to "get" them. It brings an unbelievable amount of joy and laughter to my children. But this day, I was feeling tired and wasn't really up for my dinosaur task. We got to the park and there was another father there, two older boys and three young children. My first thought was, wow, he's got a handful. But shortly after we arrived, he left, with only three of the younger children. The two older boys, and when I say older I mean maybe around 6 and 10, were there alone. I looked around the park only to see an older gentlemen slowly walking around with a cane. He seemed to be looking in the boys direction so I realized that it must be their grandfather. But as the man got closer, it seemed that he could very well be their father. He walked very slowly, was frail and thin. He then called over to the boys, calling to them "boys" as if to say it's time to leave. But his voice was so weak that the boys didn't hear him. All I could think about was how much this man would love to run over to the park and have a good game of T-Rex with his "boys." Father or not. The boys finally left and I played T-Rex. I was the best T-Rex I've ever been and played my heart out with my kids the rest of the day. Now is now. Life is a gift.

our friend's house, all wrapped up for the holidays. has nothing to do with this post, but isn't it gorgeous?

Style Icon 2012

2012-01-09T04:00:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year, Besties! I was going to get all serious with my new year's take on resolutions, but I'll save that for later this week. Let's keep this light, fun and fashion-like. Remember my style icon of 2011? Well, I'm keeping it classic but mixing it up with a little bohemian playfulness - Ali MacGraw - 1970 style.

My husband just asked if this was a photo of Pippa!

Funny how this 1970's girl looks so similar to our current royal icon of 2011.

So, throw that side part to the middle, grab your favorite hat, and hit the year running with confidence and a smile. Two things that never go out of style.

Candy Canes and Bubbly

2011-12-29T18:40:00.001-06:00

Hope you are ringing in the new year with sweets, bubbly, and surrounded by your besties!

Cheers to all of you and wishing you a healthy and happy 2012!

For those of you that requested a pic of the sweater...one last (and only two of two) what I wore photos this year...and because it just happened to be taken by a professional photographer (thank you Brian)...just like the first.

Signing off for 2011.

MUAH!

Wearing your heart on your chest

2011-12-23T07:16:00.002-06:00

Hearts are my favorite shape. Always have been. I just adore their big red boldness. And it seems that this is a great time for the romantic shape as heart sweaters are popping up all over the place. I recently saw a tutorial on making one, so you know they are big right now. I wore a similar black with red heart to our holiday office party and loved the pop of festive red. Of course I had purchased it that day and this is how the conversation with my husband, who met me at the party, went:

H: "Ahh, new sweater?"
M: (silent)
Friend from work: "No, I've seen her wear it before, remember she got it last year for Valentine's Day..she thought you would like it."

Gotta love a friend who can whip out that answer...and we all got a huge laugh out of it! It's the running joke between me and the hubs when he ask if something is new (and I'm not sure what it says about us or me, but who cares, it's just fun). Best answer yet was in response to a hat, "Yes, I got it at Walgreens"

BTY

Add caption

Wildfox Couture

Back to the holiday hustle!

linking up with Kori today

The Perfect Holiday Red!

2011-12-22T07:32:00.000-06:00

Second annual post about holiday reds!

The perfect holiday red.

Essie Shade: Wild Thing
Give yourself an hour break from the hustle, go get a mani

The perfect holiday red.
La Vieille Ferme
big wine at small price of $13.99

The perfect holiday red.

M&M Red on these easy holiday treats
Great time consuming & fun activity for the kids

2011-12-19T07:54:00.000-06:00

The holidays put me in the mood to watch these two movies, not The Grinch, A Christmas Story or any of the holiday classics. Just a glass of red wine, my barefoot dreams blanket, and a good chick flick are all I need for a cozy escape from the holiday bustle.

You Rock!

2011-12-16T05:00:00.002-06:00

Rocks collected at the beach + magnets + alphabet stamps + gorilla glue = perfect little student made gifts for the teachers!

Add a gift card and it's done!

last year's wrapping

All thanks to these alphabet stamps!

Last Call

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-06:00

Last call for Keihl's mineral mascara. Apparently, Kiehl's is taking it off the market to focus on their facial products. Hoping this is true and not a rumor spread by the man behind the Kiehl's counter at Saks in a strategical ploy to get me to stock up, because I did. I'm going to have to purchase a few more though to refresh my stock until I find its replacement. I've posted about my other favorite mascara but I like to use a mineral base for everyday use! Any suggestions?

Ok, I did not mean to post this...misfire. But since it's already out there...

Perfect little gifts

2011-12-15T02:33:00.001-06:00

I love this flower in a can for a perfect little gift for $15.00! Great for stocking stuffers or adding a sweet little touch to an end of the year bonus for the sitter. Great hostess gift. Just cute all around and I have heard, from people I have given them to, that they do bloom. My sister n law still has her, fully growing and blooming from three years ago.

west elm alphabet mug
$6.00

Last year, one of our stylists gave everyone in the production office an alphabet mug with the letter from our name. It just added a personal touch to the gift. Plus, I love drinking a nice big cup of joe of out it!

deborah lippmann nail color $18-$20

Fun holiday shades for the girlie girl!

A year of cookie cutters
$24.99

For the baker!

Just a few ideas I'd share if you find yourself scrambling for ideas, oh and the gift itself!

Triple Tri

2011-12-14T06:06:00.001-06:00

Have you ever competed in one of these events? I am sure you have, so please share your triple tri experience. Here's a little recap from mine the other day! The transitions were tough, but I pushed on through. And the event started pretty early...a little too early for my liking.

LEG ONE OF THE RACE - 5:45am start (and I am including my times for each event)
-Make coffee and drink one cup - 15:01
-Fix breakfast for the kids - 17:02
-Get kids dressed, check backpacks, pack lunch - 24:10 - this is where i lost some time - i was struggling

LEG TWO
-Get myself shower and dressed 7:34 - i whipped through this part
-Run kids to school - 5:30 - i actually had to walk this part - phew was i tired
-Volunteer at school, wrap and organize gifts for the giving tree - 59:10 - this took much longer than anticipated

TRANSITION: Mommy to Working Woman (transition was tough, i felt like i already finished the race, but it was only 9:15am and I had another entire leg to go- someone in the crowd handed me a paper cup of coffee - threw out a little "you can do it" and I was off to the next leg.

LEG THREE
-Work a full 9 hr day - 9:00 duh
-Run to car, drive as fast as possible to make my son's first piano recital - 10:20
-Make it to recital just in time - THANK YOU green lights - and shed some tears at my son's first ever anything on stage and in front of a large group of people 30:00

TRANSITION: Back to Mommy - my easiest transition

LEG FOUR - ok, it was more like a quadruple tri - and they didn't give me times for these ;)
-Bath
-Bedtime stories
-Bed

Yes, it was an all day race, but I made it! Tell me about your latest race?!

Fudgy Oatmeal Goodness

2011-12-12T06:57:00.001-06:00

Going to a cookie exchange party, want to make something for that special someone, and forgot to build this baking time into your schedule? Oh, like I did! Try this recipe, besties. These are no bake, no fuss, cookies that turn out tasting delicious. And the very best (and worst) part, you can eat the dough right out of the bowl because it doesn't contain eggs. Good old fashion lick the spoon, eat a million calories in two seconds, feel guilty that you haven't been to the gym goodness. Recipe found at this beautiful baking blog, BrownEyedBaker!

No-Bake Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Cookies

2 to 3 dozen cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes (yep, follows my 10 and under rule)

Cooling Time: 30 minutes (who cares on cooling time, really. you've already moved on to another task!)

½ cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats

1. Add the first four ingredients (through the cocoa powder) to a 4-quart saucepan.

2. Bring to a rolling boil and let boil for 1 minute. I didn't let boil for a full minute (just brought to a boil) on my second batch and they were better, not so dry.

3. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth, then stir in the oats.

5. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto wax paper-lined baking sheets.

6. Let cool until set.

2011-12-07T06:39:00.000-06:00

Think we could add a few extra weekend days to this month?

Otherwise, I'm going to be pulling some good old fashion college all nighters.

Speaking of calendars....this Snow and Graham wall calendar hangs in my office at work and is the perfect office gift. Despite all the "e" schedules we have, I still reference this for a quick date reminder. Now, if it could only remind me to get that field trip permission slip in on time, order the teachers' gift, sign my daughter up for ballet, not to miss my lunch volunteer day at the school.....well, you get the point.

Clementine Candle

2011-12-05T08:33:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this tutorial? What a great idea for a little holiday party!

And I'm going to try it as soon as I can carve out an extra hour in my day, which will probably be at about 4am when I wake up stressing about all the things that need to get done. Besties, I know I have a lot of reading to catch up on, so I'll be stopping by soon. xo

Mug hug

2011-11-29T05:00:00.004-06:00

We take our coffee drinking seriously in the morning and I don't know about you, but what I drink my coffee in is almost as important as the coffee itself. Even on the rare occasions that my husband brings me a cup of coffee and it's not in the preferred mug, I will secretly do a quick mug switch, hoping he doesn't know notice. The type of mug I prefer? Usually, one with curved walls, not straight edges. It's more comfortable in the hand and perfect for the two handed mug hug. You know, like this:

via

But we are giving ourselves an early Christmas present this year and searching for the perfect mugs and travel mugs. I am thinking a sunny yellow may be nice. And since we are in the spirit of the holidays, I'm going to start featuring a charitable purchase each day through December....the fishseddy mug is perfect and a percentage goes to the ny food bank. If you haven't been in FishsEddy in ny or on their site, head on over. It's one of my favorite stores!

west elm

fishseddy

Where does your coffee land in the morning?

What the %&#* is for dinner?

2011-11-28T05:00:00.002-06:00

Red Bean Stew from Cooking Light

More and more, the what are we going to have for dinner question is stressing me out. And I'm a little bit of a freak about just giving in to the usual take-out options. Fast food is usually not the best option for all the usual reasons. My kids don't even like McDonald's fries...I know, ALIENS, right?! Whenever I went to the dr's office as a young child, my mom would often take me to Mcdees' for a post visit treat. Totally counterproductive to a doctor's office visit, but hey, it was like 1981 and my mom and I were using our fries as cigarette props - my parents didn't even smoke, but it still wasn't totally frowned upon either. Anyway, being a product of this time, I have tried to continue this tradition at a certain Rock n Roll McDonald's downtown which happens to be a few blocks from our pediatrician. This is how it always goes, the kids only want shakes but they'll order fries because I always ask, "hey, you guys want fries with your shakes." Agreeable children that they are, they cry, "YAY!" We are barely out of the drive-thru and the kids are calling me out on devouring the fries. They don't even want any, they just can't get over the rate at which I can eat them. ANYHOW, long story short, or long, I've got to keep the favorite healthy recipes in rotation, otherwise, it's mac cheese n peas, and I can't take the parental guilt of serving that too often.

So, every Monday I am going to start sharing one of our go-to healthy (usually) recipes for dinner. If anyone wants to join in, I'd be happy to put up a little linky widget, and I'd be even happier to hear what you all make for dinner! I need new recipes!!

RED BEAN STEW (my five yr old loves this, the three yr old will eat it, but not her fave)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups presliced mushrooms
1 cup diced carrot
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (i always use boxed tomatoes)
1 (14-ounce) can less-sodium beef broth
1 cup uncooked ditalini (about 4 ounces short tube-shaped pasta)
2 tablespoons commercial pesto
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Sometimes I add garlic, onion and italian spices for more flavor

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and carrot; sauté 4 minutes. Stir in water and the next 4 ingredients (through broth). Cover; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta; cook, uncovered, for 11 minutes or until pasta is done. Stir in pesto; sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Happy Thanksgiving and a WINNER!

2011-11-24T07:01:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogging besties out there!

So much to be thankful for this year, as every year.

Sharing one of my favorite outdoor thanksgiving table settings found on Pinterest.

Although, we will be celebrating inside, we'll be sure to venture out and give a little thanks to mother nature.

Another bid thanks to all of you who entered the Pillows by Dezign giveaway!

I am thrilled to announce that winner is the lovely TORRIE from A Place to Share.

Congratulations! I am sure that you will be thrilled with your pillows!

Don't forget that ALL followers will receive 15% off all purchases made on November 26th by using the code goodiesandbesties. Start making your lists and go shopping!

Look for another great giveaway in December!

Pillows by Dezign - A GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-21T04:00:00.005-06:00

Slowly but surely, I am putting the finishing touches on the interior design of our new condo, you know, because we just moved in.....seven years ago! My bed, dressed in all white, has been begging for an accessory, so I was delighted when I won a giveaway from Pillows by Dezign. They offer gorgeous pillows in unique prints, subtle shades, and cheery colors. So many fantastic options to choose from and something for every style! The Nate Berkus Show recently ordered a bunch of these beauties for one of their recent segments. Hey, if these goodies are decorating the chairs and couches of Mr. Berkus' set, I definitely want them on mine. The result is that my boring bed is going from this:

to this

(love the sunny yellow)

And now, I am returning the good pillow karma as Brian, from Pillows by Dezign, has graciously offered to giveaway a $65 shopping credit to apply to any of their amazing decorative pillows! They also offer custom designs and outdoor pillows, so head on over a take a look! Here are just a few of some of their gorgeous designs.

love this pop of fuchsia!

So how do you enter to win?

1. Visit and "like" Pillows by Dezign's Facebook page and leave a comment on their page

2. Visit their site and leave a comment on which pillow you will order if you win

3. Be a follower of GoodiesandBesties via Google Friend Connect & Twitter

Up to three entries per reader, leave a comment per each entry!

Giveaway ends November 23rd at 9pm central time. I'll announce the lucky winner on Thanksgiving day! So, be sure to take a break from turkey, wine and holiday list making to stop by and see if you've won.

ALL READERS will then receive 15% off their purchases the entire day of November 26th.

Use coupon code "goodiesandbesties"

Stay connected with Pillows by Dezign via their website, blog and twitter for more up-to-date trends on home decor and the latest pillow designs!

GOOD LUCK!

Best cookies ever!

2011-11-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

Sometimes you just need a good old fashion chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk.

"These may be the best cookies I've ever had in my life." - husband (but he did just take a full saturday to play paintball so take it with a grain of salt)

The perfect night cap.

Because I had a craving AND 3/4 bag left of mini chocolate chips.

And that's why I decided to make chocolate chip marshmallow cookies at 9:00 at night (that's late considering my son got up at 5:40AM, wth) But, I was enjoying my cookies by 9:23, so they passed my shorter than 10 min prep time test.

Best cookie recipe EVA found at this lovely lady's blog!

urban treasures

2011-11-14T05:00:00.003-06:00

The Weather Gods blessed us with one last warm weekend! It was in the 60's friends...and last week it snowed, so that's pretty warm. I didn't mess around and took full advantage. Dragged the kids to the beach to search for urban sand treasures and we found beach glass, blue crab claws, shells, AND shot gun shells. Yep, you read that right. It's the city after all. We considered them all treasures anyway, along with the day.

the kids love sorting it all

triple dog dare ya

my husband convinced me they had been sand blasted clean
rebel in my old-er age

Thumbs up!

2011-11-11T06:47:00.005-06:00

"Hello! Nice to meet you (going in to shake hands) Oh, sorry, my hands are freezing...just came in from outside and I was just holding a cold drink." Yeah, like a blue freezer pack? These words come out of my mouth often and I am total lying! MY HANDS ARE ALWAYS COLD. And when I shake someone hands, I always feel the need to justify their iciness. Which is why, I am a huge fan of shirts with thumb holes! It's like wearing half a glove and I'll take it. Maybe when I shake your hand, it will only be my pinky and ring finger that startle the north pole out of you.

My favorite designer from renegade, Jo Handmade Clothing, has been incorporating arm warmers and thumb holes in a lot of her winter line.

A little extra dose of coze...found on etsy

Etsy 1, 2, 3

Lavender love

2011-11-09T22:47:00.001-06:00

My earlier posts this week were scheduled. I knew that I wouldn't have the time or focus to post due to my three yr old daughter having surgery on Monday. It was fairly routine and she is doing great, but one night in the hospital and watching your love being put under anesthesia is enough worry. The surgical waiting room in a children's hospital is intense...a mix between worry, feeling lucky and putting things perspective is an emotional roller coaster.

A few weeks ago, I received a sample of some Dr. Hauschka products and one just happened to be Lavender Bath. And, although, I haven't had time for a bath, I stuck my little sample in my emergency makeup bag and pulled it out for a little sniff here and there, to get through our waiting period. It's a supple oil that I can dab on a wrist or temple for a little instant comfort. I also mixed it with my hand cream for extra moisture. A little goes long way with this product.

I promise to catch up on some reading this weekend!

Last Call

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Despite some of the already nasty weather we've had here, we've also had glimpses of sun and 60 degree temperatures. These days have kept my outdoor furniture out and some of my impatiens still blooming. On Sunday, I enjoyed my coffee on the porch...something that I treasure and truly appreciate! I refuse to close down my extra 120 sq feet of living space until snow is on the ground. It is also reminding me how important my flower box planting is since the flowers and plants can last well into November. That's almost 6 months of green bliss and I'll take it before it's 3 months of white bliZZ.

Clap hands for the pumpkin muffins!

2011-11-07T05:00:00.005-06:00

My son and I used to sing the phrase when we'd go to the local bakery together and devour gigantic pumpkin muffins...this was our thing, when he was two and when the the local bakery was still there. So when I woke on Saturday morning with a strong urge to bake up something with a can of pumpkin I had in the cabinet, I was delighted that I picked the perfect recipe. I knew that I had seen many pumpkin recipes on some of my favorite blogs, but I couldn't remember when and where so I did what every good (clueless) cook does, I googled it. When one the fifth search result down was from Pioneer Woman, I knew I had a winner.

Recipe for PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS via Pioneer Woman!

A few things:

DOUBLE the recipe; doubled it made 15 medium sized muffins
Make coffee right before they are completely cooled - duh!
Don't feel guilty about the butter! Julia Child cooked with a lot of butter always and she lived a long, productive life.
Do let your children do the sugar/cinnamon/nutmeg combination sprinkling onto the top of the muffin before baking, it gives it a crunchy, delicious top! And the kids will sprinkle on more than you ever would.

ENJOY and HAPPY BAKING!

Snowmageddon

2011-11-04T08:26:00.002-05:00

via

Everyone here is talking about how the weather people (?) have predicted the worst Chicago winter in 20 years. Awesome, we just had what felt like a short two months of summer and here we go again. How could we even top last winter? My cynical side is wishing that's it a nasty rumor started by some genius marketing gurus from North Face, Patagonia and other winter gear retailers. Because, yes, it's making me shop and obsess about our winter gear. Yesterday, I made the kids get into their snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, scarves, the whole works, just so that I could see what's missing, what we need back-ups of, etc.. I've washed my short down jacket, my long down jacket, and I'm matching up gloves and leg warmers. Winters in the city are a bit tricky because it's not like I can warm up my car in the garage before leaving for the day. We walk to school. My car is parked outside. And the thought of freezing hands scraping layers of ice off the car is making me totally 110% appreciate that I am sitting in my warm kitchen right now with a cup of steaming hot coffee sitting next to me.

Bottom line: I'm gearing up for winter. Here are some items I am eyeing. Bring it Old Man Winter!

Wool blend tweed vest from Old Navy
a whopping $25.00
i tried it on yesterday and it's as great as it looks
i know, i'm obsessed with vests

LL Bean Shearling Lined Boots
Inspired by a post from LifeThroughPreppyGlasses
Going back to the classics

Leg Warmers with Brass Buttons
$15.00 Sock Dreams
LOVE these!

Furry Aviator in Grey Super-Nubby w/ White Fur$75.00
Squast by Les
One of my favorite local designers, especially love her hats!

Eddie Bauer Ice Scraper Mit
REALITY purchase.

With one of my Squast by Les cozy hats
What I'll look like in a month or so..

Linking up with the fabulous Kori for Fashion Fridays!

2011-11-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

I packed my make-up bag for a getaway weekend recently and apparently, these are my must haves.

I've already gushed about the healing powers of Egyptian Magic here, here and here, so I'll give a quick review of a couple of my other staples featured here.

Duo Cream Shadow in Madagascar

I've been using this for several years now. The shade on the right has a subtle sparkle and overall neutral hue; can be mixed with very neutral base on the left. If I don't want it to look like i am wearing any eyeshadow, but i just want some coverage (c'mon, we all love coverage) I just put a small coat of the left shade.

The Multiple in LUXOR

I'm a sucker for anything marketed for multiple purposes! This is a subtle highlighting stick that I use under the brow, on the cheeks and mostly importantly to create the "C". The Nars specialist pointed out this technique of creating a "C" starting on TOP (above) of the brow, moving around the outer eye and finishing at the inner lower eye corner. This gives your eye cream an extra boost. Hey, I cannot even put a price on anything that helps me create illusion that I am well rested, together, and am not up with children at odd hours of the night!

ROSEBUD SALVE IN A TUBE

My favorite lip balm, cuticle cream, everything salve.
Also mentioned here and here!

I'll finish up my go to reviews next week.
In the meantime, care to share any products you are currently LOVING?

All Saints Spitalfields

2011-11-01T06:32:00.001-05:00

About a month ago, I was having a leisurely stroll up Michigan Ave. I was in the middle of my two hour rejuvenation session, when I walked past this huge store called All Saints Spitalfields. Intrigued that I could be entering an 11,000 foot store that I had never heard of...I entered. Have you heard of this brand? Apparently, it was started in 1994 in London and they have recently started a push to open brick and mortar stores in major US cities. The store design was pure eye candy, the intriguing decor transports you to an old loft factory with lines of vintage singer sewing machines stacked from floor to ceiling...there are huge cast iron looms and other visually interesting artifacts that fill the store. And the clothes are gorgeous, handbags amazing, and accessories definitely something you won't find anywhere nearby. Have a look....

their lookbook is projected across the wall

Flapper Fashion!

2011-10-31T06:49:00.000-05:00

although i was trying to take in the character and be dramatic, this looks says, "why can't you ever figure out my camera?"
and, why can't he?

Last week, I wore my late grandmother's dress to a costume party. I went as a flapper. My grandmother's dress was her performance dress from a little barber shop style singing group that she was in called Sweet Adelines. It is/was a national group and she was a member of one of the regional chapters. If only I had a photo of her in it

What I do have is a page from my other grandmother's photobook. I was going to cut out the photos and paste them but I love my grandmother's handwriting and stickers. My grandmother is in the middle two and right photos. Her friend, Grace (as listed) is on the left. Don't you just love old photos that capture moments of your loved ones before you knew them. Makes me want to turn back time and be a fly on the wall. Like who are these boys she was hanging out with in Albany? And what color what that dress on the right? I do know that my great-grandmother made all of my grandmother's clothes...even her wedding dress, which will be featured in a future post.

Strands of mini white lights make me happy!

2011-10-26T06:57:00.000-05:00

via

And from a Summer Soiree I posted about last year....

Perfect illumination for any time of year!

Design Harvest

2011-10-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, we attended Design Harvest, a fall festival celebrating design. It's the type of festival that makes you want to go home and throw away EVERYTHING and paint all the walls white. Unfortunately, that did not happen as I sit here staring at a sea of toys and craft supplies. Snapped a few shots of some of my favorite ideas...

Design and paint your own rug...the best is that you can vacuum up your mistakes before sealing it

Beautiful hanging foliage containers; great design, perfect for adding privacy to a city deck or porch

fun painted soup cans used as napkin holders; would be fun for an outdoor party

Are you down?

2011-10-21T05:00:00.015-05:00

No longer for the North Faced enthused outdoorsy type, the down vest has become more of a standard piece in my wardrobe. I wear it indoors and out. Throw a cozy faux fur collar or hood on it, and I'm sold. I purchased this particular one at an Eddie Bauer outlet, like three years ago and I swear I live in it all winter. I even slept in it a few nights in September - ok - our heat was out but it sure did keep my toasty. The beauty of it is that my fashion staple for the winter is from Eddie Bauer peeps and the outlet for that matter. And, yes, as these photos reveal, I may have found myself in another single white female situation at work the other....but I just may have had my vest first...maybe. Btw, price per wear = negatives, for sure. Husband, are you reading?

Believe it or not, my favorite vests I found upon searching for a new one are from Old Navy...$39.95 a pop.

Love the collars on these!

and of course i'm swooning over this $270.00 beauty from Madewell!

look at the super cozy hood on this one from Patagonia

$149 at backcountry

Linking up with KORI for Fashion Fridays!

Head on over and link up with us!

Wishing you all a warm and cozy weekend!

I'm off to Chicago's Fashion Focus runway show tonight...I'll report back next week.

xoxo

Fabulous Granola Recipe

2011-10-20T06:59:00.007-05:00

A friend of ours has a fabulous tradition in his family where they must make all of the holiday gifts that they exchange. We have enjoyed hearing of his yearly crafting which has included items like hard candy, Kaluha, soap and more.

Probably about six years ago, he made granola and hand wrote his recipe on a post-it for me. The post-it is tucked in a sleeve in my recipe binder to be found each winter! It just seems like more of a cool weather recipe. The best part about it is that you can vary the recipe to fit with what is in your pantry...lots can be substituted. Oh, and I'm totally down with any baking that makes my house smell like I've been working my arse off much more than I actually have.

Tom's Homemade Granola Recipe

MIX
4 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

WISK the following and pour over dry ingredients
1/3 c Canola oil
3/4 c honey
1/2 tsp vanilla

Pour onto ungreased cookie sheet
Bake @350 for 20 min
STIR STIR STIR ever 4-5 minutes

Substitutions I've made:

Can use walnuts even almonds
I only had 1/2 cup of honey the other day and used maple syrup to complete the 3/4 c
I always add 1/2-1 tsp nut meg
Can add dried fruit, obvi

I recommend doubling the recipe because if your house is like mine, a single batch can get eaten in a day!

Enjoy!

PONG

2011-10-19T06:57:00.001-05:00

I was going to do a couple product reviews today, but I got a bit distracted after this conversation with my husband. Sparked by my son waking up at 5:30am (yawn), we started talking about all the stuff kids get to do today in comparison to what we did when we were five and three. We'd come home from school and play in the yard...maybe we'd go to the park, or get an ice cream at the dairy downtown, or watch a few eps of Courtship of Eddie's Father while snacking on super healthy nilla wafers with marshmallow fluff. And then electronic games came along and that didn't really change much. We had pong, until it started our TV in fire. We never had Ataria, even though we begged for it. We did have this Pac Man mini arcade and Matel electronic football. I'm pretty sure we didn't play them as much as my kids want to play on the iPad, but hey, a few little greens lines as football players, that can only move in one direction, not so exciting really.

Anyway, my point, is that my kids play harder and experience much more than I did at their age. And they eat better. In fact, they've probably done and seen the equivalent of what I did by when I was 16. Ok, back to the point again, all this activity should make them sleep in past 5:30 and go to bed earlier. I promise they don't come home and play Wii, they go out, we go to the zoo, museums, the city farm, so what am I doing wrong here? Back to sleep training.....

(old matel ad-if I was the copywriter)

"Hey Dad, this camping sucks. I'd much rather play my Matel Electronic Football."

Dad: "Hope you don't trip on that rock."

Three Cheese Skillet Deliciousness

2011-10-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

As the temperatures fall, my motivation for cooking rises. Perhaps it's simply the coziness of the kitchen and the warmth of the oven that makes me want to spend more time in this room, fattening up the family for winter. I've been dusting off my old recipe binder to make some of my winter go to recipes: soups, stews, cookies, granola, and this delicious three-cheese skillet lasagna (via Martha Stewart)! Easy to make, even though it does keep you in the kitchen longer than my usual preferred maximum 10 minute prep time.

Ingredients

43 ounces canned whole peeled plum tomatoes (from a 28-ounce can and a 15-ounce can)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese, room temperature
1 box (12 ounces) no-boil lasagna noodles
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, pulse tomatoes until coarsely pureed. In a large deep skillet, bring tomatoes, garlic, and oil to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce to a simmer and cook on medium until thickened, about 12 minutes (you should have 5 cups marinara sauce).
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together egg yolk, ricotta, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Carefully pour sauce into a heatproof bowl and return 3/4 cup to skillet; spread sauce evenly. Add a single layer of noodles, breaking them up to fit. Top with half the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly. Follow with a second layer of noodles, then 1 1/2 cups marinara. Add a third layer of noodles, then remaining ricotta mixture. Follow with a final noodle layer, then remaining sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino over top.
Bake lasagna until golden and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MY TIME SAVING HINT: If you don't have time to make the marina with the plum tomatoes, you can simply use a box or two of POMI Marina or start with strained tomatoes and skip the food processor part. POMI tomatoes are fantastic and I keep my cupboard stocked with them. I try my best to stay away from canned goods (because of the PBA issue) and these are a great replacement to canned tomatoes, which happen to absorb higher amounts of PBA compared to other canned foods because of their acidity. I used one box of strained tomatoes when I made this last week. The recipe calls for more, but one box was fine.

Have a winter go to recipe to share?

Makin it Work

2011-10-14T06:56:00.001-05:00

I have a sewing machine sitting in the corner of my room. In a box. Used once for a class. You'd think my obsession with Project Runway might inspire me to open the box, hem a pant, plug it in. But, no. Apparently, I prefer to watch people sew more than actually sewing and shell out $30 to have my jeans hemmed.
Plus, I don't really know how, so there you go.

BUT, if someone could teach me to knock out designs such as Anya's from last night's final challenge, then maybe I'd dust off that box.

Anya's designs. Stunning and I want all three.

Who's your favorite designer this season?

Appropriately linking up with KORI for Fashion Fridays!

Princesses and Pumpkins

2011-10-12T06:55:00.000-05:00

Princesses getting married at our favorite flower store (taken from the sidewalk)

I always peak in this venue when strolling by as this is where my reception was...I've seen some stunning brides lately. Don't you love the feather piece in her hair?

Princesses at the market

Flowers for the princesses. Beautiful cabbage roses...this is the first year I've seen these.

Happy Wednesday, besties.

I'll be back this week with some new product reviews!

marathon

2011-10-10T06:59:00.001-05:00

Whether the winner, the walker, in the middle, or the very last, they are all inspirations!

If you are every going to run a marathon, Chicago is the city to do it. The fans are amazing and the energy of the runners, fans, and music along the way gives you goose bumps. What a great morning we had spent with friends and strangers, cheering on the runners with noisemakers and high-fives!

edgy romantic

2011-10-07T05:00:00.007-05:00

Meet one of my besties who always takes her style to another level. She's the one in the office who inspires on a daily basis, the one whose outfit you find yourself subconsciously copying and not realizing it until you feel like single white female walking around the office.

Here she perfects this romantic look with a floral blouse and wispy pulled back hair, all while keeping her innate kickin style with the rockin boots and armful of goodies. And love, love the juxtaposition of the feminine blouse with the edgy skull bauble charm.

She is also the inspiration behind my post on doubling belts as bracelets.

The girl has style. Check her out on tumblr here.

you can find the necklace at this etsy shop

Who inspires you?

Linking up with Kori for Fashion Fridays!

2011-10-05T19:56:00.000-05:00

My little on has been sick all week so I just can't justify spending the time on daily posts. Just a few quick things and I'll be on my way until Friday.

"A messy house is the sign of a good mother."

Worship with all my might the owner and creator of this phrase! Who are you? I owe you dinner, wine and a weekend at the spa......

My kind of runway look. Comfortably chic. Comfort being the root of the matter.

via

Hopefully I will be back for Fashion Fridays with some oh so lovely photos of one of my besties looking effortlessly wispy and romantic in the perfect ensemble.

Fluorescent Fall .... A Market Post

2011-10-04T08:58:00.002-05:00

Strolling through the market a few weeks ago, I began noticing pops of neon hues all over the place. Mainly in the form of workout gear. Fluorescent anything always remind me of my old oversized hot pink sweatshirt with the big black numbers 1 9 8 5 blaring across it. Oh man, I'd rock this with black leggings and an arm party of black jelly bracelets. It was like totally rad.

A few great pairs that I found on Zappos.

Cool beans!

WHAT WERE YOU WEARING IN IN 1985?

And, yes, a onesie is a perfectly acceptable answer as I realize that many people were born in the 80s, not killer 70s, like me.

Impromptu Photo Shoot

2011-09-30T05:00:00.060-05:00

I rarely post photos of myself on here mostly because they never turn out! I'd like to do a "what I wore" photo once in awhile, but the photos don't do the clothes justice, so I refrain. My five yr old snaps photos for me once in awhile, and they are pretty good for someone who has only been talking for three years, but he is not always so patient. So, when we were recently leaving a bat mitzvah a few weekends ago, and a friend of ours, who happened to be photographing the event, told me to stand in the street so that he could snap some photos al la the satorialist style, who was I to say no? It was raining, we were in front of the el train tracks and a fire truck just happened to zoom by all in the five minutes that I risked my life standing in the middle of the street all in the name of some fashion photos (that I will never get again). Here are the photos...and let me mention that the outfit was rather impromptu and a bit out of my zone, but it worked. Let me break down the outfit, what I wore style....

Pants: J Crew pixies $16.99 mentioned here (price per wear = around 56 cents)
Top: H&M (purchased in May, not worn until end of August, didn't like this shirt for two months; reason unknown)
Shoes: VIC (from Lori's Shoes)
Bag: Anthropologie (gift from a dear friend)
Bracelets: some mentioned here & new leather wrap around (will get info on it and post soon)
Earrings: Dana Reed ..my all time favorites

dana reed gold pesce earrings

per per wear = in the negatives

Linking up with KORI for fashion fridays!

Also linking up with longdistanceloving for Friday's Fancies

Super fun blog hop going on over there!! Check it out!

Wet Wellies...A Market Post

2011-09-29T07:11:00.001-05:00

My husband thinks that wellies, especially Hunter brand, are way over worn. I tend to agree with him to a point, but what more appropriate occasion for pulling out the rubbers than a rainy day at the market. Totally welly appropriate!

And some new wellies I've been eyeing....

Good Souls By Mark McNairy Wellies $49.99

Joules Pink Mist Welly

$27.99

(for my 3yr old bestie)

And it looks like we may be going into our fifth straight day of rain.....I guess they say that "April Showers...." Oh, it's not spring and we are heading into a long winter? Awesome.

Free Hugs

2011-09-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

This group of huggers were giving away free hugs on Michigan Avenue over the weekend. Now, if that isn't enough to restore your faith in humanity, I don't know what is.

...only one hug per customer....and yes, i received mine.

2011-09-27T10:16:00.000-05:00

One more board complete....the "golden ticket" (upper left) is my fave!

TWO HOURS

2011-09-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

When things get overwhelming and I'm feeling burnt out, I've determined that I need about two hours to reconnect with myself and I begin feeling like me again. The two hours can be a combination of the following and more:

1 hour yoga class + 1 hr grocery shopping (yes, it can include chores)
2 hour happy hour with the girls
1hr at the gym + 1hr sipping coffee at bucks
1hr stroll down Michigan ave + 1hr walking there and back
2hr dinner with husband
anytime spend on the el train or bus (instantly brings me back to my single days)
2hrs shopping for anything, alone

The bottom line is that sometimes you just need to do something, anything that makes you feel refreshed and like your old self again. I'm curious, what do you do?

late link up with elleinapsir for listography 2011

Monday Morning

2011-09-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

via etsy

Good morning Monday and blog friends! Are you currently enjoying your sip of morning joe? More likely you are if you are one of my neighbors; well, according to the Huffington Post that is. Recently Chicago was named the most caffeinated city in the country. You can check here to see if your city made the list. In the meantime, I'm going back to sipping and I only have my city to blame. I knew that I could blame my over coffee-ing (not a word) habits on someone or something else.

Layers

2011-09-21T11:32:00.002-05:00

I've finally completed by first Pinterest board entitled LAYERS. I am very selective about what I pin, so completing a board takes awhile. LAYERS is appropriate for the upcoming season during which I turn into an ice cube for 6 months. Here's what else I've been pinning....

Special thanks to all the sources of images I pinned, including

elleinadspir and haute-dog.tumblr

And I think I'll link up my only post this week, and Wednesday post, on Fashion Fridays.....head on over and check out Kori's lovely blog.

a girl can dream....

2011-09-15T23:01:00.003-05:00

I've been on a long shoot this week, so my guest & co-blogger fwb is back with a fab post for Fashion Fridays...have a fashion post today? Head on over and link up with Kori!

I am all for a good budget buy. There is nothing like finding that perfect piece at F21 or H&M and being able to say, “you like this? $15 bucks!”. Then there is the inevitable rush of knowing that you look great and you have the admiration of all for being fiscally responsible.

And then there are the times when you just want to spend money….and you have long conversations with yourself trying to justify cashing in a few thousand from your employee stock plan so that you can buy Chanel. Just a tip for all of you Besties…DO NOT have this conversation with your husband after buying a brand new house…I speak from experience. I mostly find myself in this situation while catching up on the blogs we love and trying to figure out just how the heck I am going to get myself to Europe or to LA so that I can shop at Zara and buy that skirt…and those shoes…and maybe that blazer.

Speaking of Zara, they have recently made it possible for my dream to come true! They can’t fly me out of Ohio, but they DID make online shopping available in the U.S. Zara makes you feel like a million bucks, without the need to delay retirement a few years…

http://www.blondeepisodes.com/

Happy Fashion Friday!

xo – fwb

Bring on the weather

2011-09-14T22:34:00.000-05:00

Friends, I turned my seat heater in my car on tonight. MY SEAT HEATER and it's only September 14th. Hoping this is not a sign of another long winter. Either way, it's coming and here are a few summer to fall looks to get me in the mood.

big leather bags

Source: outfitidentifier.com via Jackie on Pinterest

closed toe shoes sans socks...save socks for october

4 season dresses

via

sweaters

land's end
blazers

so, were you a ben or noel fan?

i was working on an event for mtv when felicty was airing and i found myself on a shoot standing right next to noel, i was so nervous that i couldn't get a word out...that was the same shoot where they asked me to take something to nick and jessica and i was like, "Who?"

All for

2011-09-12T05:00:00.002-05:00

This is what $150 looked like to me last week. Since I have yet to go through my closet and put my fall wardrobe into place, I am hesitant to spend a lot of money on any clothes. I plan on putting it all into a handbag and boots and just adding a few small low priced items when necessary. So....in honor of my new plan, I hit two places last week to see if there were any bargains and this is what I walked away with.

1. Ann Taylor (never wear this brand but they fit perfectly...) trowser jeans - Mercy Beaucoup resale

2. Calvin Klein angora/cashmere blend gray sweater with some hardware on the shoulders - Mercy Beaucoup resale

3. Ted Baker skirt -Mercy Beaucoup resale

4. Red Berry Gingham - Mercy Beaucoup resale

5. Polka-dot shirt - Old Navy

6. Gray Oxford shoes - Old Navy

Most items were purchased at Mercy Beaucoup, a designer resale shop that 100% benefits the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, an organization that we often give to and that offers a home for children in need. I have always been a supporter of this organization so when they opened up this shop down the street from me, I was delighted that my shopping was actually doing something good for someone else. This shop is also going to start accepting children's donations so I'll be donating items as we outgrow them.

You can see all the good they are doing here!

2011-09-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

It's hard for me to write about anything after a day of remembrance. I'll be back tomorrow.

striped sky - photo of north avenue from a few weeks ago

cool breezes

2011-09-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

cozy ripped up seven jeans circa 2001
price per wear = in the negatives
mother-in-law's crocs

ok, as much as i try to hold onto summer, it never fails, every year fall rolls around. we went from 90 to 53 degrees here overnight and ever since monday, we've had cool, breezy days. on monday, we were at the lake and i must admit that i do love cool weather on the beach...mostly, because i love to throw on cozy worn in jeans and a sweater for my beach glass searching stroll and some good old fashion beach play with the kiddles.

via pinterest via blissfulb.blogspot

happy friday, besties!

Future Proof Your Style

2011-09-08T00:42:00.004-05:00

We were at a bat mitzvah over the weekend and they did one of the montage slide shows, which I love, and they showed two pictures of us (me and the hubs) holding the girl as a baby. Now, this got me thinking about how dated we can look in photos, whether it be 10 years later or 3, the hairstyles, glasses (especially), and clothing automatically scream different decade. And it was when I was describing this to my husband and asking him how we can avoid looking completely fossil-like in all our photographs with the kids, that he responded, "How do we future proof our style, you mean?" Yes, that's exactly what I mean. So, I am going to make it a point to keep it classic when I know the camera is going to be around.

I can't go wrong in any of these news cover-ups by EmersonMade. Did you all see this new line released this week? Yowzers...I'll take one of each and you can keep the camera around.

And one last thing! A photographer friend of mine did a mini Sartorialist shoot with me out in the rain the night of the bat mitzvah (yes, i felt like a rock star), so you can be sure that I'll be posting those soon AND hopefully doing a re-post in a few years since they will be future proof.

I'm a little obsessed...

link your fashion post with kori for fashion fridays!
http://www.blondeepisodes.com/

List your dream work environment....

2011-09-07T01:10:00.001-05:00

I haven't kept up on the listography lately, but thought this was an easy one, so going to link up with this lovely and this lovely and go for it. And since I mentioned "dream job" in another listography, i thought that it may be easy....

Ok, dream work environment....and i mean dreamy.

1. Lots of coffee flowing in the morning....switch to chocolate shakes flowing in the afternoon

2. Floor to ceiling windows and lots of outdoor work spaces with those cool loungy beds with cushy cushions

3. No dress code, PJs acceptable....Pencil skirts acceptable....anything goes

4. Private bathrooms for each employee where you can keep all your emergency goodies and a change of clothes for that infrequent, yet annoying coffee spill

Off to dreamland.......

cubicle

conference room

break room

Enjoy today

2011-09-05T07:02:00.001-05:00

These pozie poems mobiles/wind chimes are so fun and inspirational. With words like Enjoy, Listen, Dance, Love, it's hard not to stop and think for a moment when walking by. I first spotted them on the highline in NY. Now have one hanging on our porch. My boss bought a few for gifts, one being a wedding gift to go along with a check...the wedding was on a farm so seemed like the perfect little addition. Would also be a good weekend house hostess gift. You don't have to go to ny to buy these little gems (although it would be a perfectly acceptable excuse if you ask me), they can be purchased online on Etsy. Oh, and the top bar is a chalk board so you could write the names of the recipients or your own inspirational message...a nice personal touch.

highline ny

2011-08-31T20:13:00.006-05:00

"God made everything in the world except shoes. The shoemaker makes the shoes."
   -my three year old bestie


A perfect introduction to Do THESE Come in My Size?

   hers mine

land's end handsewn moc $34.50 Lamo Sheepskin Moc $69.00

     elephantinto Olive Stretch boots Garnet Hill $69.00     j.crew ryder boots $268
   i wish they made these exact boots in my size!
   still trying to convince her that gray is the way to go,
   but hard for a girl whose fave colors are the 2 p's

loving lately

2011-08-31T05:00:00.003-05:00

Thought I would change the subject to one of my faves....products, also a good distraction from the back to school chaos! A few I have been loving lately:

BUTTER Nail pain in shade Yummy Mummy!

Love this line of nail polish for it's "3 Free" push...meaning that it's free of three terrible ingredients that I can't pronounce and definitely don't want penetrating my nails...I'd rather take my chemicals in the form of Diet Cokes, wrinkles reducers, and teeth whitening products, thank you very much.

Yummy Mummy is Butter's best neutral shade...they have yet to come out with the ballet slippers or east hampton cottage equivalent.

BENEFIT'S Bathina!

I can't believe that I haven't shared my love of this product with you all yet. Going on three years of a total love affair with Bathina. For all you pasty white girls, this one's for you and me (remember, I don't go in the sun). I use this product on my arms, legs, and neck to give them an overall smooth, even toned appearance. Bathina creates subtle highlights and an illuminance that creates the illusion that you are not completely and totally the color of a marshmallow. Side note: I was with the kids at swim lessons the other day and this little girl pointed to my son and said, "Mommy, why is that boy so white? He's the whitest boy I have ever seen." Her mother's response: "Maybe he doesn't get to play outside very much." Yes, or maybe his mommy is smart and is not going to let her five year old get a tan....B#*&%!

Besties

2011-08-26T07:45:00.001-05:00

School orientation today....wish me luck!

words of wisdom

2011-08-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Cat & Peppers

2011-08-24T07:11:00.001-05:00

I set down my coffee the other day at the market....

The Farm

2011-08-23T21:23:00.001-05:00

On a recent trip to our friends' cottage in Michigan, we had to figure out a dinner plan for one night because our friends had a family obligation. Knowing we were going to be in the middle of food nowhere land, we did some advance research and stumbled upon a four star reviewed restaurant on Yelp. A few reviewers said that they visited the area just so they could have dinner at The Farm Restaurant. Sold. I made a reservation.

The Farm is in the middle of a corn field in an older ranch style farmhouse. The bar is tucked right at the end of field so the view out every window is rows and rows of corn. There is something rather therapeutic and peaceful about staring in endless fields while sipping a drink. The dining area was in the middle of a sun-filled, pine knotted floor room that probably used to be the dining and living rooms.

And all was peaceful....we ordered dinner...the kids were sipping on kiddie cocktails....a woman was playing guitar close to our table....all was right, until (cue the screechhhhh), my daughter practically fell asleep into her plate, right after her food arrived. So, I held her and she slept on my lap. And just as the grown-ups food arrived, my son announced that he had to go to the bathroom (#2 if not for t.m.i and he usually sits for a good twenty minutes). I managed to eat with one hand and my husband ate his cold food and our therapy came to an end.

Children of the corn.

It's going to be a busy back to school few weeks...will be back to regular posts soon.

xoxo

Navy with navy

2011-08-19T08:31:00.000-05:00

"Navy shorts or pants cannot be worn with navy shirts. Navy shirts must be worn with khaki."

-Uniform guidelines, my son's new school

via thesartorialist

I wonder if that's what they advise in the Parsons kindergarten program?

Chambray copycat...A market post

2011-08-17T07:15:00.000-05:00

This is the first person I saw at the market last Wednesday.

Then I went home and got dressed for work.

my son took this photo; next bill cunningham?

i didn't have the fancy long necklace (i am not much of a necklace person)
so i improvised with this one my son made; i've also been wearing my "gold chain" from high school and layering with others.

Sometimes it takes a little reminder of what's in your closet and how you could put things together.

hot or cold?

2011-08-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

My five year old is going to kindergarten and I was just getting all teary eyed when discussing it with my husband. It could've been due to all the paperwork that is required just to get an education, but I think it's more about sending my baby off into the world. I had asked my son earlier in the day if he wants to do hot lunch or take his own and he looked at me like I was nuts because HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT BECAUSE HE IS ONLY FIVE - FIVE! - AND I STILL MAKE HIM RIDE IN A STROLLER AND YES, SOMETIMES I EVEN GIVE HIM DRINKS IN A SIPPIE AND HE HAS A BAR ON THE SIDE OF HIS TODDLER BED TO PREVENT HIM FROM FALLING OUT. Who is even going to make sure that he can get his milk open? Who is going to make sure that he eats his lunch? WHO? WHO??????

Yes, I may need to be talked off the ledge here. Anyone have a smoke...ok, just kidding...inside joke during a certain singledom life..many moons ago. But seriously, how is my son going to survive without being under my protective little bubble that i have been conveniently been keeping him in since those crazy nurses at the hospital actually let me and my husband (two clueless adults) walk out of that hospital with a less than 48hr old baby ALONE. I remember sitting next to my son in his carseat the day we drove him home. I think my husband drove 20mph, yes, 20mph through the city of Chicago, and I sat in the backseat huddled over our new little bundle. And then we got him home, set the carseat in the middle of the living room, and just stared at him "ok, now what?" Well, all night feedings, diaper changes, walks around the neighborhood in the sling, then bjorn, then wrap, whatever it could take to get him to sleep, then giggles, sitting up, finally sleeping through the night, books, smiles and just pure fun. But, again, this has all been under my type A, super controlling, overprotective watch.

the day we brought him home
(when my house used to be super clean)

I know that I have to deal with this next phase of my life. This phase that no longer includes diaper, highchairs, or mommy/baby music classes. And I'll get over it..I will..and I am starting to enjoy it, but until then, my back to school supply list is going to include a lot of kleenex boxes and maybe a few stiff drinks.

hey web

2011-08-12T22:37:00.003-05:00

just how much time do you think i have to be perusing blogs? really? keep up with me! i'm the one on my second glass of red wine and who has had one long work week.

Inspired...A Market Post

2011-08-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Linking up with Kori today for Fashion Fridays.

CHERRY RED: inspired by this Parker dress I've been eyeing. It's now on sale...

Ivory Most: inspired by this Cukkis messenger bag..on sale at shopbop. With photos from ny markets...a little Eataly and a little Dean and Deluca...you know, where Felicity worked.

Come back on Monday...I'm working on my back to school post..from the parent's view...

Macaroon Love

2011-08-11T06:56:00.000-05:00

At our family reunion on the Chesapeake, my aunt brought the most amazing macaroons. She said they are easily freezable and brought out when the occasion calls...or for no reason whatsoever. Either way, they are super easy to make, have very few ingredients and go really well with that morning coffee. I made the mistake of making the other morning (it took all of 10 minutes) while the coffee was brewing and boy did i have my share (for the year...).

The recipe easy, fast, has few ingredients and my name written all over it. I truly believe that baking (when easy) is soothing to the soul.

Day of silence

2011-08-10T17:36:00.002-05:00

for a fellow blogger and her family who are suffering...

4 o'clock coffee

2011-08-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

You know how I love to document my coffee drinking...this was a nice little cup of Bux house blend. It was a late afternoon coffee, about 4pm, on Lake Huron.

Back story: For some unknown reason, my husband and I never stopped for coffee on our roadtrip last Friday morning. Imposters, right? Don't know what we were thinking. Maybe we wanted to savor the moment relaxing in an anti-gravity chair on the beach. Either way, it cost me huge in the form a major headache, for both of us. We questioned our coffee drinking, for about a second, and quickly forgot about....

Orange you glad!

2011-08-08T05:00:00.004-05:00

There was a serious orange invasion at the market on Saturday. Mostly in the form of bags, but it didn't stop there.
Perhaps the peach season is inspiring this bold color? Or is orange the new black?

isn't she cute? and her bag is so fun!

Golden beets anyone?

It's not over yet...

2011-08-05T07:04:00.001-05:00

There is ample time left to live in those light summer whites...linking up with Kori for fashion fridays!

via thesartorialist

And it's the perfect time to shop the sales....

1 Vince Drape Sleeve Linen $66.50 Shopbop

2 Vince drawstring linen shorts $90 Saks

3 Paermense gold sandals $79.90 Lori's Shoes

4 Leighelena bracelet $69.00 ShopLeighelena

Happy Weekend, Besties!

Elleinadspir!

2011-08-04T08:45:00.002-05:00

You can find me guest posting over at elleinadspir today! Head on over and check out her fabulous blog while you are there!

"Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life." -bill cunningham

2011-08-02T06:10:00.002-05:00

Finally, I can give credit to this quote! I had read it earlier this year and couldn't remember the source. Looking forward to seeing this documentary on the original street fashion photographer! Check out the trailer.

It's ok...

2011-08-01T05:00:00.004-05:00

to sneak a few ice cubes into your sauvignon blanc, chill down that red, or throw a little fruit in your pinot grigio...it's summer and anything goes. i was recently enjoying dinner on a rooftop deck and our pinot grigio was quickly warming up, so we threw in some ice cubes for an instant cool down. summer sipping is too short to follow stuffy winehead rules. it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment. who's with me?

Neck of the woods.....

2011-07-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

We enjoyed our last road trip so much that we are hitting the road for a long weekend. Destination: A perfect little cottage on Lake Huron in the "thumb" of Michigan...we were there three years ago and looking forward to our return.

So, here's to hitting the highway and fingers crossed that we can go a few hours before the highly repeated, "Are we there yet?"

Besties, what are your plans for this last weekend in July?

Photo Complete

2011-07-28T07:30:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this floating around the web?

Times have changed yet stood still at the same time.

Father and son at shuttle start and end

A special welcome to my latest followers:

longdistanceloving

freshoutoflemons.com

in a shoe box

2011-07-26T07:20:00.001-05:00

the sandals

i've been without my favorite black sandals (made by this cute little italian man) all summer until yesterday. and you know where i found them? in a shoe box. IN A SHOE BOX! i've torn my closet apart looking for these all summer long and they were neatly stored in a shoebox. makes me think i don't even know myself. who is this impooster? am i more organized than i think? doubtful, but isn't it funny when you find something right where you so perfectly placed...who would've thought? do you surprise yourself like that? think that i would've found them faster in these closets?

oh, eva, yes, your closet is amazing..i get it.

via the shoe girl's blog

via km2shoes

here's to the set designers of cher's rotating closet...you know the movie.

xoxo

Primary Textiles

2011-07-22T07:36:00.003-05:00

It's Fashion Friday..you can link up with other besties at blondeepisodes today!
Loving these fun patterns in primary colors! Kinda boho, hippy, southwest, all in one.

curly in the city clutch

ace & jib field maxi dress...madewell

layer on a few a things fun madewell market weaver bracelets @ $10 each

happy friday, besties!

It's in the bag..A market post!

2011-07-20T06:51:00.000-05:00

What's more romantic than a tote with a baguette, bottle of wine and flowers emerging from it? It all scream romantic picnic! Just a few tote shots from the market....because you gotta bring it all home in somethin!

Random thoughts for a Tuesday morning

2011-07-19T05:45:00.001-05:00

I have a shoot this week, so not much time to post until Thursday. Just a few random thoughts until then....

1. I don't read news websites very often...in fact, I make a point of it. The articles are too depressing, scary, or just add to my mom paranoia. So I simply avoid them. BUT, the other day I was reading an article and this is what the box at the bottom of the screen said:

Ray-ban invasion

2011-07-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

There was a serious Ray-Ban Wayfarer invasion at the market last Saturday. Everywhere I looked, Wayfarers..mostly Ray-Ban, some look alikes...like the Besty Johnson pair, lower left. Just when I am thinking that I may pay up for some Aviators, I see this old school style back in action. And guess, what? That girl, with the Betsy Johnson shades, ended up being a babysitter and is looking for work. Sometimes fate steps in. So, now, I've picked up sitters at Lori's Shoes, Trader Joe's and now, the street. I am wondering if there is a match.com for sitters...

Small disclaimer...I got permission to take most of these photos.

happy friday, besties!

we are in the heart of summer now, enjoy.

xoxo

i wanna be a princess when i grow up

2011-07-14T07:11:00.001-05:00

Have you been awing over Kate's perfection? My favorites from the North American tour. From glam to crew to cowgirl, of course, she looks fab in everything.

images via huffington post

Questions for the Fashion Gods....

2011-07-13T07:01:00.002-05:00

What do you think about this feather trend? I'm not in.

via

How might one wear these? I do love them, but having difficult time envisioning the outfit..

via j crew

How may one do this fun sexy beach hair? I am working on it...

Vacation night

2011-07-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love when you are out and the setting makes you feel like you are on vacation? This is how we felt the other night at the new Paris Club rooftop...maybe it was the Delano hotel curtains blowing in the breeze...or maybe it was the palm tree like plants...it doesn't really matter what it was...it just mattered that for a few hours, we were transported to that vacation state of mind.

And a special thank you to Ana at liveandenliven for livening up my neck that evening with my Shabby Apple feather necklace that I won! So many compliments on it and the only reason I am posting this not so great photo of me...just look at the necklace please.