Stripecast

stripecast pullover $49.99

similar

Another Madewell goodie goes on sale.  I always think it's so much easier to judge it you see the item on a person - and a regular, at that.  You know, not a model but a very regular, like me. 

in soho just about to jump in a car to airport 

$4.99 neon Forever 21 tank underneath

Club Sprouts: A Market Post

I feel so lucky to live just a few blocks away from one of the best markets in the city and I take full advantage of it.  And this summer I am making my kids take advantage of it by visiting the Club Sprouts tent for a weekly tasting or chef demonstration.  With every taste they do, they get their card punched.  It's pretty much like a coffee punch card, only better.  A few weeks ago, they had a little cooking demo set up where the kids could make their own Stone Fruit Salsa and let me tell you, it was YUM!

Some of the main ingredients:

diced peaches

diced apricots

diced cherries

blueberries

raspberries

chopped onions

topped with cliantro

I am going to make it again this week, it was so delicious!

like blogger like son

ok, so my blogging mission may be rubbing off on my son.  he pointed out this girl to me in a coffee shop in upstate ny.  "mom, mom, you should take her picture for your blog.  you probably like her shirt and bracelet."  then, i discovered that he had already snapped a few photos on the sly....yea, i may have been tearing slightly after realizing this.  we asked if we could take the close-up of her amazing bracelets.  i didn't get the bracelet origin, but you can bet i will be doing my best to copy.

if you have children, are they involved with your blog?

photo credit:  6yr old (note the adorable black rimmed glassses / watermelon shirt twinkies in the background)

@Swallow Espresso and Coffee, Hudson, NY

 

i found a beautiful silver cuff option.

can you believe this is from cost plus world market?

One Shade of Grey

my last minute outfit for an event in nyc

it was raining after all and the originally planned colorful dress wasn't fitting the mood

this dress is so versatile, i am picturing it with brown fryes in the winter, a denim jacket in the fall, but it was worn with these on a rainy tuesday night in june

madwell softshade sweatshirt dress

yep, you had me at soft and sweatshirt...

sam edelman 'sophie' sandal

meets my 2.5" limit coming in at a nice and comfortable 2", maybe even a few cm less

the dispatch clutch

i got in on sale at the madewell store for $68 

top it off with

tower earrings by jules

Echo Design

I'm on the rooftop of The James Hotel New York and probably on my second coffee.  (Yes, pinch me please for getting to start out my workday this way).  I am full on lounging in a chaise by the pool and have all my vices (paper, magazines, iPad, camera).  I'm in awe of the view.  It's a cloudy day, 100% change of rain in the forecast, and I have my  bare legs wrapped in a towel.  And then, this ray of sunshines appears onto the deck.  She is perfectly dressed, reminding me of Miss Weather with her yellow welllies, for the expected rain.  She is perfectly friendly so I instantly strike a conversation and compliment her super fun bag.  Turns out she is an account manager for the company behind the bag, Echo Design.  A company that began in 1923 on the wedding day of the founding couple, Edgar and Theresa Hyman. What started as a scarf company evolved into much more over the years.  

The ray of sunshine...

                 

graphic diamonds north / south tote $98.00

the perfect tote

Echo Design went through many fazes of scarf design, keeping up with the events and trendsof each decade.  A few of my favorite decade designs....

1940's Air Raid Scarf

 I love the different ways they wore scarves in the 1970's, especially around the waist.

Head on over to their beach and swim line for some bold summer pop!

FINALLY...I've been dreaming of this product for years.  Well, at least for two years I know for sure - since the time I posted about my morning struggle to get through one hot cup of coffee before having to warm it up.

Burning Cup designed by Ryan Jongwoo Choi

 

I haven't quite figured out where to order yet, but you'll know when I do!

Happy Friday, besties!

Happy 4th!

Chioggia Beets: A Market Post

The Chioggia Beet:  Surprisingly beautiful bold natural stripes brighten up any grill basket....and taco.

Added to my zucchini taco combination for some culinary color.  

There's a party in my tummy, so yummy so yummy.

 

The beet sellers aren't too shabby either....

 

Any good beet recipes to share?? 

Puffer fish

Here's the deal.  I slept really hard the other night and woke to find a HUGE sleep line imbedded in my cheek.  I am not exaggerating, it was a huge red valley that looked like it would never go away.  So, this is what I did all day long....

Thrifted

Besties, I am still getting organized here and haven't downloaded all the photos from our trip, nor have I finished unpacking.  Today is the day though (as I have told myself every day this week).

I have been in a thrifting mode this season and wanted to share some fantastically preppy finds:

Michael Kors never worn jellies, uber preppy tie for my little man, canvas nautical-ish belt for moi, never worn white jeans in the perfect length and classic not skinny, but not wide either fit and an amazing cozy sweater dress for fall.  And all for a total of $35 - it was a half off day!  Woot.

The jellies remind me of, well, of course the old jelly shoes we use to wear and also those meshed Esprit shoes from the late 80's - anyone? anyone?  They had holes and laces.

The jellies are several seasons old, but MK is doing a jelly sandal this season for $49.

a rainy afternoon in the west village

 

I was lucky enough to make two visits to nyc within a week.  There's nothing like a good dose of the big apple and a rainy afternoon only added to the excitement and lure of the city.

A walk under my umbrella to a client lunch at an amazingly yummy and cozy cafe in the west village kicked off my first visit.

fun stackable rings found at madewell!

 

joseph leonard 

check out their site; the photos want to make you crawl right into their world.

Sangria in a Pot

Besties, I am struggling to get back into the blogging groove after being away for most of the past two weeks.  It may have something to do with being surrounded by piles of unopened mail, have unpacked suitcases, and gorgeous weather!  I have many updates to share this week, but want to start with a simple one.  This is a little thank you I put together for my kind neighbor who did some "flower sitting" while we were away.  But I think this would be a lovely summer gift for many occasions.  A bottle of Sangria in a clay pot.  Perfect for you green thumb friend, a weekend host, or Birthday celebration.

i'm on vacation

and will be back to regularly posts next week.

lots to share 

(including how to have a good day in nyc with a 4 & 5 yr old and many road trips tips)

now, back to my magazines....

loft love

i have become obsessed with loft spaces.  the openness is very appealing and i dream of kids rollerskating to the dinner table.  here are some photos i snapped of a loft i was recently in - well, we were in a party next door and it's connected to this space.  the owner walked in and was a little suspicious of my picture taking, however, after learning he was a photographer, he may have been more appalled at my shotty skills.  either way, i explained that i wasn't casing the joint and only loving his space.

i'm off to nyc this morning for work.

hope to give you a good visual dose of soho and the big city when i return.

Glimpse

into our lovely chicago summer weekend.....

Lemonade Crush

(Strawberries, Lemonade, Ice and Mint - blended)

got to meet the lovely Danielle of elleinadspir for a morning of coffee, market strolling, and a little shopping

i have a new favorite chicago cupcake!

Bake!

can't go wrong with a white dress for a little art fair perusing on a 90 degree day

wearing my favorite poppy fields hat from anthro