HOLIDAY

Armommy

2012-02-01T04:04:00.001-06:00

I was chatting with a fellow mom yesterday who told me she hates those moms who sends their child to school with a valentines that have "things like their picture in a heart or a monogrammed sticker". There was lots of eye-rolling. She said it felt like a competition. I nodded in agreement knowing full well that I had just placed an order for the most precious personalized stickers for Stella's valentine favors. Don't get me wrong...I do find drugstore valentines so charming; that's what we grew up on. But when I found ARMOMMY's envelopes with sticker labels last year, I was in love. It's such a no-brainer for a busy mom and Rae is such a delight to work with. I placed my order yesterday so I bet there is still time for you to do so, too. I chose the tent design that reads "I think your're tops" and since it's a circus theme, I'm going to fill it with a mix of popcorn and pink and red M&Ms.

She also has some DIY printables that could be a fun project to do with your child.

So what is your school favor strategy? Do you find pleasure in thinking and executing or do you find yourself at CVS the evening before, hoping they aren't sold out?

I Heart...

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting to sew red fabric heart shapes onto the elbows of a simple long-sleeved t-shirt for Stella to wear for Valentine's Day. This takes that concept to another level...

There is a tutorial on how to do it here.

Let The Sun Shine

2012-01-29T16:55:00.001-06:00

{via}

I recently read that the air in your home is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. So next time you're cleaning, open those window for a bit, even if chilly outside, and let the sun shine!

English Rockers

2012-01-27T08:10:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have lived in our house for almost two years now and we're very slowly getting the front and back yard up to speed. To say it needed a lot of work is an understatement. Out with the banana leave plants, in with the hydrangeas! Building a deck in the back where we can entertain is high on our list. The deck will cover an alcove where I think a glider would fit perfectly. Ever since I saw this picture below, I can't stop imagining the space...

But let's step a little further into dreamland.

I'll end up with a simple glider but what I really want is one of these...

These amazing rockers are from an English company, Odd Limited.

Mini Lanvin

2012-01-25T23:37:00.001-06:00

My sister, Bo, is a photographer and has captured some of my favorite Stella moments. When I went into labor, she was there at the hospital all night long, in a freezing cold room, sleeping while sitting up, down-right miserable. We love to joke about how it was the worst night of HER life. But I have so many great pictures of those 13 hours thanks to her.

Bo is the in-house photographer for the boutique, Forty Five Ten, and created their Tumblr site, This Just In. So when they recently started carrying Lanvin's collection for children, it seemed only fitting that she shoot Stella in one of their tiny, chic ensembles. Of course, my restless toddler was being a little sassy that day and wouldn't put the shoes on. The pictures still came out great and I love that the one Bo chose for their site truly communicates how Stella was being that day...a little silly, shoes in hand, and squinchy toes.

Saul Leiter

2012-01-25T15:15:00.000-06:00

Time is a train.

Makes the future the past.

Leaves you standing in the station

Your face pressed against the glass.

- U2, Zoo Station

I can't believe I'm quoting U2 but upon discovering the works of photographer Saul Leiter, these words immediately sprang to mind. I love a new discovery, even if the rest of the world already knows about it.

Keepsake

2012-01-24T14:21:00.000-06:00

I think this is just about the sweetest way to cherish a birth announcement and plan on doing this with Stella's. A decoupage tray from Ben's Garden...

Charleston

2012-01-23T10:10:00.000-06:00

Next year we plan on visiting a town that's been on my list forever...Charleston, SC. We might squeeze in Savannah, too, but my main focus is Charleston. I came across a Tumblr site that has wonderful pictures that excites me even more. It is a town that marries two things I love...being on the water and having that New Orleansy feel. If you have any recommendations for me, I'd be so appreciative.

Etta James

2012-01-20T10:44:00.000-06:00

{via}

Jamesetta Hawkins

(January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)

World's Smallest Bookstore

2012-01-19T16:22:00.000-06:00

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen? Pushcart Press is the tiniest bookstore and located in Maine. I'm adding this to my list of places I need to visit next time I'm up there. I can't help but wonder if they operate on an honor system or if somebody really mans the store.

{via}

Tote

2012-01-18T14:05:00.000-06:00

I need another tote like I need another Twinkie. But I've been eyeing these for a while. As a Libra, I'll probably vacillate over the color combo for so long that it will inevitably fall off my wish list. And I'll be on to the next thing...possibly the cute and affordable wallets. Until then...

Random Weekend Thoughts

2012-01-16T13:31:00.000-06:00

I should rename this post I'm So Mentally And Physically Exhausted That I Have No Thoughts. I feel like we've been busy since Dec 1. This past weekend was the first time we could "get it together" in terms of getting our house back in order. But now I need a nap and am taking one tomorrow in the form of a personal day. I plan on staying in my PJs, getting up to speed on Downton Abbey (season 1 expires tomorrow on PBS.com), and getting my brain back in order. Even my laptop battery needs to be replaced. I think that's a sign.

I'll leave you with this...a shot of our Brussels sprouts. Aren't they so pretty? We're trying two different kind and they've started sprouting.

In My Basket

2012-01-11T19:57:00.000-06:00

On payday, I stock up at Whole Foods like some people buy lottery tickets or hit up the liquor store. For me, it's a religious experience. I find my calm in there, unlike Central Market, our chaotic labyrinth of a specialty grocery store. Here in Dallas you're one or the other. I'm Team Whole Foods. And while in line, I like to peek into other's baskets to see what I'm missing out on. Do you do that? Here's a peek into my basket...

After a few years of washing Stella's hair with California Baby, Jeff could not take the smell anymore and asked me to find her another kind. I had grown accustomed to it and even kind of liked it. I stood in the aisle and opened each bottle, thinking, hmmmm...these all smell the same. Until I found Nature's Gate. The scent is light and heavenly and better yet, it lathers up unlike other natural shampoos.

Next up, coconut oil. A perfect item for these wintry months. Here is a list of benefits, but I mainly use it as a moisturizer/lotion/fly-away hair smoother. And it does not leave you feeling greasy. Just soft. Like butta.

For random or mysterious red spots, bumps, and blemishes (even ringworm), tea tree oil is a miracle in a bottle. I've used it on myself, Stella, and Jeff and everything I've put it on clears up super duper fast. Remember how the dad sprayed everything with Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding? That's how I feel about tea tree oil. I've had my tiny bottle forever so I can't recall the brand, but it looks similar to this below.

Now on to something delicious. I tried the cappuccino flavor of this protein drink and it is really good with no weird after taste. It's filling so you can't really drink it all in one sitting (or maybe you can). Out of curiosity, I dug out my old Weight Watchers book to see how bad this ranked in points value (old points system, not new one). For the entire box, it's 5 points - so 2.5 for half. If you have a sweet tooth, it hits the spot.

I've saved the best for last. I'm positively hooked on this stuff. Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto. Whole Foods makes it and you can find it alongside their regular basil pesto in the little clear containers. Yes, it's delish on eggs, in otherwise bland quinoa dishes, chicken, flank steak, pasta, etc. but if you mix it with Hellman's and lime juice, you will have THE BEST sauce to put on fish or shrimp tacos. I will never not have this in my fridge.

Cutest Little Pincushion

2012-01-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

One of the things I love about getting out my sewing machine is seeing my tiny Hable Construction pincushion I purchased years and years ago from their first adorable, now shuttered NYC store. They are only $5 on their website right now, along with the heart sachets ($15) I love to buy as gifts for Valentine's Day.

Healthy Comfort Food

2012-01-06T07:08:00.000-06:00

It's a new year and you want to be healthy. But it's also cold January and you're craving comfort food. I think this fits the bill...Rustic Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup. I may try this this weekend. What I like about this site, which is chalk full of healthy recipes, is that it's maintained by the real deal. Sarah Britton is not only a chef at two organic restaurants in Copenhagen, but she is also a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and the founder of New Roots Holistic Nutrition. So if you're looking for a place to gather some recipes that are good for you, this is the place.

New Year

2012-01-03T10:24:00.000-06:00

I am sooooooooo looking forward to this new year, bursting with opportunity. I personally don't set resolutions but this year I do have a creative goal in mind that I hope to achieve by year end. An old co-worker of mine just posted on her blog that one of her resolutions was to stop comparing herself to others as it really does a number on your self-esteem. Wow. I couldn't agree more. We both worked at a company where many of our friends and colleagues have gone on to create their own piece of wonderfulness in the world. I told her that this year, instead of letting it bum me out a little, I'm going to let it inspire me. So here's to 2012! The best is yet to come! xo

Random Weekend Thoughts

2012-01-01T14:28:00.000-06:00

"I mean yes, we're sinking. But the music is exceptional."

- Austin Kleon

I've never made French toast so when Jeff said he wanted it for breakfast, I decided to give it a whirl for New Years Day. It was the worst meal I've ever made. I let the bread soak too long and I burnt the sausage - both were overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. I actually cried at the table. I hope we don't become ill with a combo bout of salmonella/trichinosis. But doesn't the table look pretty (wink)?

I think we'll go out for lunch. But for now I'm all cozy on the sofa, candles lit, watching the movie, Never Let Me Go (so depressing but great acting and cinematography). How are you spending your first day of 2012?

One thing I wanted to share with y'all is my new-found love for Toms shoes. I didn't love their shoes at first but they grew on me. A few months ago I went to Nordstrom to buy Stella a pair of red canvas ones but since she was with me, walked out with pink sparkly ones instead. The very first day she wore them, I was disappointed that the material was so thin they wore away at the toes.

Oh, well, I thought. Until yesterday when I found myself walking through the children's shoe department at Nordstrom again. Luckily, Stella was wearing her shabby pink Toms because a sales associate stopped me and asked if I had purchased her shoes there. Toms put out a recall on them since they didn't wear well. Right then and there we switched out her shoes for the new pink glitter version (below) for free. Have you ever heard of such? Toms could have easily just handled the disgruntled customers who contacted them - but instead put out a recall offering to replace them for all. I am SO impressed and will go back to buy Stella and myself the red canvas ones. I love good customer service but I really love a company that does the right thing when they don't necessarily have to.

3,2,1...Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:59:00.000-06:00

{D.Foshee}

Christmas At The Beach

2011-12-30T16:14:00.000-06:00

As exhausted as I am and as much as my house is in in desperate need of a deep clean, I'm not quite ready for this holiday to be over. Thank goodness for some New Years cheer and a little more time off.

We raced back from our trip to the beach so I could get some work in but this weekend I am looking forward to lots of naps, some cooking and cleaning, and some long walks to burn off the cheese ball, sweet potato casserole, and Frangelico night-caps.

The last time I was at the beach, I was wanting to buy the Sea Grove Motel and dreamt of turning it into a mini The Surf Lodge .  This time, I will be trying to shake the idea of buying the Whale's Tail. We grabbed lunch here but on the lower/beach level, there were people with their winter hats and mittens on drinking - it was a cute scene.

Stella had a ball on the beach, chasing seagulls, dancing, running, throwing sand in the air as though it was confetti. The weather was perfection - not windy or too cold - just right.

Stella also logged in some much anticipated play time with her cousin, Macey.

Ladies who lunch...

Cruising around in golf carts to see Christmas lights while

listening to Frosty The Snowman on Pandora...

Building sandcastles...

Trying on their aunts' boots...

If you've ever considered being crazy and spending Christmas at the beach, I highly recommend it! On my way home, I read the December issue of Southern Living (perhaps the best issue ever) and I loved seeing Seleta Hayes Howard's Florida home decked out in Christmas decor. She is living one of my dreams...she packed up her suburban Atlanta life and is now living in one of the cutest beach communities, Water Color. If you can still find this issue in the stores, it's a keeper.

Back to reality, laundry, and a detox on the horizon.

Hope you all enjoy your New Years weekend!

Winter

2011-12-22T02:22:00.001-06:00

On a lone winter evening, when the frost has wrought a silence. - John Keats

It's the first day of winter but I have the seashore on my mind. I wish I knew the source of this picture but it captures my mood perfectly right now. Christmas at the beach, hoodies, hot chocolate, golf carts...

The source of this picture below is my sweet sister who tried to capture a whirligig. In the end, I was happy that Stella's Christmas picture was truly natural as she refused to pose.

I hope each of you has the merriest holiday filled with
everything that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year!

See you next week.

xoxo

Festive Favors

2011-12-21T09:16:00.000-06:00

Here are Stella's classroom favors all lined up in a row, ready for her holiday party. Her class has never been big on exchanging favors but I can't resist so here's our little gesture...festive crackers with confetti and a small toy inside. I got these at the Christmas Tree Shops, however, I noticed that World Market (stocking stuffer paradise) has some really pretty ones.

Tis The Season

2011-12-19T05:31:00.000-06:00

I have been up at a crazy hour wrapping presents because I am a working mom who falls asleep when my little one falls asleep. Then I wake up at 3am in a panic that I need to get some things accomplished. I don't mind, though. It's fun being an elf spinning my magic in the middle of the night. This is it...the final week before the big day!

{via}

My Little Reindeer

2011-12-16T08:23:00.000-06:00

Stella had to bring something Christmas related for Show & Tell today so she decided to put on her reindeer antlers. I couldn't help but look back at when we put them on her during her first Christmas. Funny she has the same goofy smile in both.

2008

2011

Well, I have created a spreadsheet (and an exit strategy) for my shopping spree this weekend. I'm almost excited for the challenge! I need all the walking anyway since our office has been bombarded with holiday cookies, pizza, tamales, petit fours, chocolates, etc. What will you be doing this one last weekend before the big day?

and George Christmas

2011-12-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

I just obsessively pinned almost every image from this and George post. Do yourself a favor and go take a peek at all the images. It's gorgeous town!

{Christy Ford and And George}

Also, Google "Tudor Grove and George" (it's a three parter)...another visual treat!

Moon River

2011-12-14T00:33:00.000-06:00

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

Our Elf's name is Chippy. It was Sam until Stella saw the movie and she decided she liked Chippy better. Well, I just told our little Elf what I want for Christmas...the Breakfast at Tiffany's townhouse, which is now on the market for $5.85 million.

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-12-12T04:47:00.000-06:00

I'm up in the middle of the night watching The Next Iron Chef challenge, which makes me hungry, trying not to sneak into the kitchen for leftovers of the best appetizer I've ever made...Ina Garten's Soppressata and Gruyere Cheese in a Puff Pastry. I was one of three houses that hosted a progressive neighborhood party this weekend and this was so easy and beyond delish!

I also went to my mom's to celebrate my aunt and uncle's birthday. Thought I'd share some pictures of her tree with you because she has another great alternative to a tree skirt. She wraps around the base what appears to be snow. She gets this filling/cotton candy type material at Joanne's, first layering the non-shimmery kind, and then tops it off with the shimmery kind. You know how you look below your tree and it's kind of dark down there? The lights bounce off the "snow" and illuminates, showing off your presents.

For years now, she's surrounded the base with baskets,

and here they are waiting to be filled with gifts. Or little girls.

It was nice to wind the whirlwind weekend down

with a birthday dinner and watching football.

I better go back to sleep now...have to wake up in 2 hours.

Nite nite. Or good morning!

Gracefull Wrapping

2011-12-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

Grace Kelly wrapping presents in her bedroom.

{via}

For Him / For Her

2011-12-08T12:44:00.001-06:00

At the risk of sounding like vintage Kathie Lee Gifford (read: self-serving), I was asked by Kendall of LowerOakLawn.com for my top 5 gift giving suggestions. Kendall has done an amazing job at promoting the Dallas Design District and the general Lower Oak Lawn area, which has been undergoing a revitalization over the past few years. You can take a peek at my list here. That was fun; thanks, Kendall!

Tree Skirt

2011-12-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

What do you use as your tree skirt? I have one that I like that is cream satin with pale green felted birds on it. But I like to switch it up and sometimes use a big piece of fabric, like I've done this year with a Jane Churchill linen. I may have mentioned before that one of my favorite skirts I've used was a vintage Escada ball gown in peach plaid with tulle underneath.

We've had an extra fun time decorating the house this year since we'll be one of three houses hosting a progressive party with our neighbors this weekend. I decided to dig out some of my matchbooks from years ago and put them on the bar. No time like the holidays to be a little quirky.

December

2011-12-01T11:49:00.000-06:00

Oh, hello, December.

3 teeny tiny weeks to get a lot done.

But I'm up for the challenge!

Let's get the show on the road...

right after I make these cute mittens.

{via}

Holiday Decor

2011-11-30T07:22:00.000-06:00

You can never have too much mercury glass

or fresh evergreen this time of year...

The Wild In Me

2011-11-29T17:18:00.001-06:00

I have an old friend back in New York that I fell out of touch with years and years ago and I search for her on-line every once in a while, hoping she'll magically appear on Facebook. She was like a little pixie, clever, and way cooler than I could ever hope to be. I do, however, come across her writings and musings on motherhood and am always transported. I hope I'm not crossing the line by sharing this passage of one of her pieces I happened upon on another blog. As a mother, I can so relate.

My three year-old can wink. She has been able to do it for months now. Popeye gave her the idea, but her timing is all her own. I hear something shatter in the bathroom and round the corner in time to watch the last of my limited edition Chanel polish run thick and black like blood across white tiles. She winks at me and I’m rendered speechless. I am the law but she makes me a partner in her crimes and, secretly, I’m grateful for the invitation.

Upon the birth of her son, Laura Nyro, wrote “I don’t want to crush the wilderness in you, child, or the wild that’s in me. How do we keep them both alive?” As a mother, your world shrinky-dinks down to only the safest of bets but when my daughter winks, I remember rolling the dice. I remember the wild that’s in me.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T01:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Spanxgiving! Are you stuffed? Me, too! And yet tomorrow we'll head back over to my mom's house for leftovers. I look forward to it more than Thanksgiving because there is far less family/friends and I can go with no make-up and my hair in a ponytail. And in PJs. Ok, maybe not that casual.

Stella asked me 20 times if she could bring her tea set and table and chairs over to my mom's. She had her own party for the first hour. Here are some snapshots of the day...

My sister and me...

We didn't wear these all day,

just for a big family photo.

My mom always adds a little something special at Stella's setting...

My sister is the photographer of the family and she tried to take Stella's Christmas card picture but she was not cooperating. She took her sweater and boots off the minute we arrived and wouldn't look at the camera. Sigh...

Oops! An accidental mini-marshmallow spill.

After shoving as many marshmallows possible into her mouth, the sugar must have gotten to her...she made a wardrobe change on her own putting her clothes on inside-out. Then she showed us her new trick...

Then she crashed...

Pumpkin Cake

2011-11-23T21:40:00.001-06:00

Because we aren't going to eat enough over the next two days, Stella and I baked a Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tonight. It's the most kid-friendly recipe, inspired by this post. I added a little bit of vanilla to the mix and Stella added sprinkles on top (next time, I'd like to replace the sprinkles with chopped pecans). It is so easy and so yummy and this Thanksgiving Eve, I am thankful for these sweet moments she and I share.

This long holiday weekend I hope to find time to delve further into this book. Have you read it? It's centered around the round-up of Jews in 1942 Paris. It makes me thankful that my great-grandmother escaped Kraków, Poland before the Nazis invaded. So the story goes that her mother hid all of her babies under her skirt while fleeing, although I think long before the invasion. But what if they had stayed? It's truly amazing to look at Stella and realize that she would not be here, nor would I, had it not been for such brave acts so many decades ago. (If now you're wondering, I have a Jewish mother and a Baptist father...I like to joke that I'm both chosen and saved. And to really mix it up, I married a Catholic.)

I'm also thankful to have met so many of you through this blog. It's been so inspiring and a great escape. Thank you for your time, your kind words, funny musings, and for sharing a little bit of your world as well. I hope you have the most delicious, coziest Thanksgiving tomorrow with your loved ones. xo

Tiffany's Christmas Windows

2011-11-22T10:26:00.000-06:00

I love the Central Park carousel inspired windows Tiffany's has unveiled for the holidays. Oh, to be in New York during the holidays...it's so magical!

For the news coverage:

Tiffany's Unveils Its Christmas Window Displays - NY1.com

Coin Purses

2011-11-21T12:01:00.000-06:00

These coin purses are adorable and unique for a precious little person in your life...

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-11-20T11:11:00.004-06:00

{via}

Since Christmas has started earlier than ever once you step out your door (I hear the mall was packed yesterday), I'm happy to be inside watching Thanksgiving themed shows on the Food Network. Even the Hallmark Channel has started airing Christmas movies! I secretly like it a little and may have even set out my Santa mugs already...shhhhhh...don't tell anybody.

Mashed potatoes and a spinach casserole will be my contributions to our big family Thanksgiving dinner this week. What will you be making? All this talk about side dishes reminds me of one of our favorites that I found in Southern Living a few years ago, Israeli Couscous with Roasted Mushrooms. We've never made it for Thanksgiving, but if you're looking for something a little different, it would be a good one.

While I watch Thanksgiving Live,

Stella has set up office on the coffee table.

She still wears her princess dress every day. She asks to put it on the minute she comes home from school and as soon as she wakes up on the weekends. And then there are the dress-up shoes, tiara, and all the jewelry...(as you can see in her artwork, she's going through her "blue period" like Picasso)

If not in her dress, this is how she dresses herself: color on color ("because it matches") and an expired holiday Hello Kitty t-shirt...

I love this smile...

Some fun discoveries...

We have little owls in our backyard.

Found this Crew Cuts sweater for Stella for $2.99.

Ski lifts, ice skates, and a plaid thermos...
wish they had my size!

Excited for the upcoming week.
Have a good one!

Ready To (not) Wear

2011-11-17T11:19:00.000-06:00

I have a friend who has made it a tradtion to get Stella a pair of PJs from Hanna Andersson every Christmas. Since Stella has become rather persnickety with her clothes, we thought it would be wise to give her the catalogue and let her choose. We looked through it together and it became very clear that everything I liked, Stella did not, and everything she liked, made me roll my eyes and bite my tongue.

I was having such a hard time shopping for her this fall because I've liked nothing in the stores. You're hard pressed to find tops without words, illustrations, tulle, and glitter. And then you have to deal with your little ones preferances...Stella detests leggins right now, making it even more challenging. I finally turned to the internet and went on a search for corduroy pants that weren't in dreary mauves and grays or some hard-to-match blue. Imagine my relief when I fell upon...wait for it...Osh Kosh. I know, a little crazy that I forgot about this true blue staple from our childhood. Here is what is shipping to me now or soon to be in my cart. Tell me...do you have any brands you always go to for your little ones? And I mean for the day-to-day/nursery school wear. Are boys easier to dress...do they get persnickety?

I plan on getting a big monogram on this one...

Cords in bright, cheery colors...

How cute will this be in the summer w/ Salt Waters?!

Just Because

2011-11-17T07:59:00.000-06:00

I snapped a few pictures of Stella this morning just because. Just because it was a good morning where we had no wardrobe-related meltdowns (although, I did beg for her to wear a warmer coat). Just because she looked especially grown-up to me. Just because she's 3 and a half. Just because I love her.

How To Really Love A Child

2011-11-14T15:50:00.000-06:00

This is a good reminder...

especially for me since I had one crabby three year old yesterday.

And she didn't just have a moment.

It was an all-day affair.

Today? Couldn't be sweeter.

Kathryn Whyte

2011-11-10T21:11:00.000-06:00

I am so in love with the illustrations of Kathryn Whyte and especially those of her holiday designs. Take a peek and maybe stock up on some cute tags for Christmas presents.

Think Pink

2011-11-09T22:27:00.000-06:00

Kim, a dear friend of mine from high school, recently participated in the 3 day (60 mile) Susan G. Komen walk in Atlanta. She has many family members who have had breast cancer so it was near and dear to her heart. She documented her journey and I cried reading every single one of her entries. These men and women push through blistered and bloody feet, aches and pains. They all have very emotional moments during their walk. They are true inspirations! {I loved the sign Kim shared that she saw along her walk that read, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney} So when I received a flier on my door that the Dallas route would pass by my house, I knew I wanted to do something to support the walkers. My sweet husband made batches and batches of pink lemonade and we passed it out and cheered them on. They probably thought Stella dressed up in her princess dress just for them...little do they know that she puts her dress on every single day. It was so fulfilling to support all of these amazing people and Stella got such a kick out of those who dressed up as angels, in pink wigs, in tutus, etc. One older woman who passed by looked down at Stella and said, "you are the reason we're doing this".

DIY

2011-11-07T12:13:00.000-06:00

When I was pregnant, I took on the most challenging DIY project of bringing a settee upholstered in four layers of fabric back to it's former glory. So when my friend shared with me pictures of her DIY project for her baby-to-be's nursery, I truly appreciated her effort. And I think she did such an amazing job! In fact, I like hers way more than the original.

She was first inspired by this Jonathan Adler chest...

She then bought this...

and transformed it into the most adorable dresser/changing table...

Isn't it the cutest?! I then spied this on Pinterest and shared it with

her since it reminded me of her concept.

I would have never thought of the multi-colored drawers

but now that I see it, I love it!

Fall Shoes

2011-11-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

I adore these toddler shoes. I think I'll order a pair for Stella because they seem to be out of them in the store. Would you believe they are only $20 at Target?! Oh, but which color?

A Little Princess

2011-10-31T22:54:00.001-05:00

"I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny, old attics; even if they dress in rags; even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us. Didn't your father ever tell you that?" - Sara, A Little Princess

Skull And Bones

2011-10-31T07:58:00.000-05:00

This video is creepy and fitting for today. It was shot by a freshman, who referred to himself as the Dauphine, after he broke into the courtyard of Yale's secret society, Skull and Bones. Shortly after, he mysteriously withdrew from the University for "medical reasons". Two years later this footage was uploaded to YouTube by a user named Dauphinish. But the story does not end here. You can read this Yale Daily News article about the ongoings surrounding the freshman...a story that terrorized the residents of Vanderbilt Hall.

Are you spooked? Happy Halloween!

Halloween Or Dallas?

2011-10-30T23:12:00.000-05:00

Truman Capote's Black & White Ball. Dr. Zhivago. The Darjeeling Limited. And one bitter Park Avenue divorcee residing temporarily in Bellevue's Psych Ward. It all made for a festive Halloween party. Or was it just another Saturday night in Dallas?

Jeff and I paired simple masks with a tux and loads of jewelry.

My friend on the right was the Park Ave divorcee, who later

traded in her ID bracelet for a cute owl mask...

Me (far left) and the girlies.

How cute is the hostess in her Dr. Zhivago inspired outfit?

Hoot. Hoot.

Excited for tomorrow...

Bal Masqué

2011-10-28T13:16:00.002-05:00

File this under: We don't get out much. I'm super excited for a dinner party we're attending tomorrow night. At first, we were to simply wear masks. Those directives have since evolved and I can't wait to see what everybody shows up in. I really wish I could find the bunny mask with ears that Candice Bergen wore to Truman Capote's Black and White Ball. Or a great animal mask like the fox ones attendees received at the Mulberry show (channeling The Fantastic Mr. Fox). I promise to take some snapshots of the evening. Have a spooky weekend...

{Breakfast at Tiffany's}

Bon Appetit On Pinterest

2011-10-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

Eat to your left, drink to your right...Bon Appetit is now on Pinterest with links to their recipes.

Slip Covered Christmas

2011-10-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

I saw the most darling seat covers at Anthro recently that had words embroidered really large on them and were lined in pom poms. I've been thinking of them ever since. Now I see this and it has me thinking how much fun it would be to sew some slipcovers for just the backs of my dining room chairs for Christmas. I like how I pretend I can sew all of a sudden.

{via}

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-10-23T18:15:00.000-05:00

Lately we've been making Ina's Country French Omelet on the weekends. So easy and so delish! I highly recommend making it and getting creative with the ingredients. Once we came out of our breakfast coma, we took Stella to the public library for the first time. My little bookworm was in heaven! We vowed to make the library trips a weekend tradition and have even made a special place in the house to keep them so they don't get mixed up with her own books.

While there, I fell in love with Elisha Cooper's book, Beach. You've most likely seen one of his books before but this one in particular I must buy.

We watched our friend's daughter, Blake, who knows how to use an iPad so well it's scary. She's only 1 1/2. Too young or the wave of the future? Curious to know your thoughts. I think it's quite wonderful in moderation. Stella then showed her how to have a proper tea party.

Today we hit up Good 2 Go Taco, which you have to try if you live in Dallas. Just don't go hungry because there is a line - but it's worth the wait! Our fav was the taco called Paris, TX: grilled hanger steak, eggs, spinach, potatoes, and charrca tomato hollandaise. I pretty much love anything with hollandaise on it! Stella just stuck with a tortilla filled with cheese.

Lastly, while Jeff watched football, I whipped up some smushy pillows for Stella's room using a Pierre Deux tiny floral and a Cowtan & Tout stripe. These are amateur at best since I'm learning how to sew.

Y'all have a good Monday!

Miles Fisher In Town & Country

2011-10-21T13:19:00.000-05:00

If you were with me back in the beginning, you might have read about my sister's good friend, Miles Fisher, here when he was sweet enough to chat with me. Now he's in this month's Town & Country (a 2 page spread you must check out) and in Clint Eastwood's upcoming film, J. Edgar. I'm so thrilled he is finally being recognized for the amazing talent that he is! I promise he is one to watch.

Queso

2011-10-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

So you have a little shindig and you wonder what to do with all the leftover cheese? Well, my co-worker just had a delicious idea. We had a work event last night and it seemed a shame that there was so much cheese left afterwards. So she took it home and whipped up queso and brought it into work today. She put it in a crock-pot and added cilantro, Rotel, and some evaporated milk. It made for an interesting but yummy taste and a different texture. I'm not a fan of Velvetta (maybe I'm not Southern after all) so I liked this. There are various recipes on-line but it seems like you can just wing it and add whatever you like.

p.s. I'd like to add that my co-workers just picked up Tator Tots from a dive around the corner to dip into said queso. Chips just weren't enough. Tator Tots + Queso = A New Low.

Pinning

2011-10-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

I think Pinterest is making me crazy. Some days it overwhelms me, some days I go on sprees and can't stop pinning, and then other days I fancy myself a pinning elitist. But then the craziness sets in.

For instance, I can't stop pinning pumpkin recipes...

I don't even like pumpkin! But wait...maybe I do???

And I'm really relieved to realize that I'm not the only one

who likes low-brow casseroles like this...

But wait...the others that are pinning stuff like this are skinny. So do y'all just pin these to make me feel better about myself? Or do you only feed this to your kids and you're really eating Boston Bibb for dinner? Cheaters.

And this door...

Is this in New York? Did I see it when I lived there or is it only familiar because I've seen it a million times on Pinterest? This is called Pin-ja-vu or me simply lacking the ability to separate real life from my Pinterest life.

Sometimes I have to circle around something

for a long time before I pin it.

Not even sure why. Maybe because I'm partly annoyed that everybody has pinned it already? But when I do and it's been out there forever, I don't want you to think I'm seeing it for the first time. Sheesh.

Sometimes, when I've been circling around a pin and then my friend, Kelly, pins it, that confirms it for me. Or Tessa. Done! Pinned!

Sometimes I pin and then delete. Especially if it hurts my eyes because it's the only bright image on my board in a sea of calm. Can't even show an example here because I've deleted it.

I like to late-night pin and I like when I see others are late-night pinning, too, as if I find comfort in knowing they are all safe and snuggly in bed, like this bunny, whose clovers make it appear as though he's sleeping under Porthault sheets.

The End.

Or is it?

I mean, tomorrow is another day and a whole new set of images.

But when does it really end?

I just hit the 3,000 pin mark.

I was kind of hoping it never got to that.

Fair Day

2011-10-16T01:03:00.000-05:00

The Texas State Fair is infamous for creative fried concoctions such as fried bubblegum, fried butter, fried chicken fried bacon, fried beer, fried coke...are you sufficiently grossed out yet? This year, we had to start off with a Fletcher's Corny Dog, which is pretty much the only reason I ever want to attend the fair. Once every 5 years is good for me because I don't do well in heat or crowds. We also tried the fried kraut balls, which were actually good, and the best...fried cheesecake. Needless to say, I have a fried hangover. (10: the number of times I typed the word, "fried").

Octobers

2011-10-14T07:19:00.000-05:00

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

{via}

This weekend's list? Visit the Texas State Fair, cut out construction paper bats, get a haircut so I don't resemble Crystal Gayle, reconnect with my sewing machine, and a Sunday dinner with neighbors/new friends. How about you?

Boo!

2011-10-11T22:33:00.001-05:00

I'm not one to really decorate the house for all the various holidays per se. I like a more subtle approach...for example, I put orange tapers in my Tiffany crystal candlesticks. But Stella LOVES Halloween. It's her favorite holiday. So I figured we'd have a little fun with it and we made these to hang in our bay window.

The Cardigan

2011-10-11T14:25:00.001-05:00

"Mom, I don't need a sweater, it's not chilly outside.

Look...the trees aren't shaky." - Stella

{via}

Evergreen Garland

2011-10-10T13:06:00.001-05:00

I just ordered evergreen garland from a Boy Scouts troop to be delivered the week after Thanksgiving. I've been pinning images of garland so much lately that I'm anxious to put my own up now! I love all these different ways I could hang it...

In a window...

Adorning a bar...

Around an interior door frame...

Or an exterior one...

Along a staircase...

Across a mirror...

Or a fireplace...

Across a fence...

Or a skirted table...

{via}

Petite Paperie

2011-10-07T07:19:00.000-05:00

I've had Petite Paperie's Etsy shop saved in my favorites for over a year now. I just took a peek again and love all of these tags. They are perfect for fall adventures, like an apple picking get-together or to adorn a teacher's gift. Or how cute would the moose be for holiday packaging? You could leave them as-is or fill them in with markers, colored pencils, or water colors.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

"We're here to put a dent in the universe" - Steve Jobs

Maple Syrup

2011-10-04T03:47:00.000-05:00

Christmas is going to be here in a blink of an eye. Have you started shopping, slowly finding things along the way and storing them away? Or do you like the rush of last minute sprees? I'd much prefer to start early but that's not always what winds up happening. But here's something that I think would make for cute stocking stuffers. Maple syrup from NorthEast Maple in adorable bottles. Or even if you need to get a tiny little something for a teacher or colleague...

log cabin

rocking horse

Santa

bunny

snowman

maple leaf

duck

Are you craving pancakes now? Sorry!

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-10-03T07:31:00.000-05:00

This weekend could not have been any better. We kicked it off with a birthday dinner of escargot, trout, and a chocolate souffle. On Saturday, we hit up the park in this gorgeous weather, I found an alabaster lamp at an estate sale for $30 for my tiny home office, bought Stella's Halloween costume, and we spent hours in the yard repainting our white picket fence and planting hydrangeas. I also made a lasagna for an old high school friend who just had a baby and I caught up on some blog reading and recorded shows (secretly loving Sarah Michelle Geller's Ringer on the CW).

Oh, and hung up this cute brass door knocker

that I'm in love with.

You Are...

2011-09-29T20:27:00.003-05:00

My husband gave me the sweetest birthday card that I had to share. He spends a lot of time picking out the perfect one - and he always gets it right. It read:

You Are...

my wake-up kiss.

my mid-day chat.

my "Did you hear?"

my "How 'bout that!"

my confidante.

my biggest fan.

my ego check.

my master plan.

my sounding board.

my other view.

my best advice,

my "Good for you!"

my steady date.

my "hurry-up" tug.

my hand-in-hand.

my loving hug.

my better half.

my happy life.

my one true love.

my gorgeous wife!

you are everything to me.

Gingham + Lobster

2011-09-29T06:54:00.001-05:00

I love this place setting using lobster claw crackers tied in gingham.

{via}

Easy Rider

2011-09-25T23:06:00.001-05:00

Stella's bike has been waiting in the garage patiently for her little legs to grow for well over a year and a half now. Finally, her feet can reach the pedals and this weekend was the first to take her pink Schwinn out for a spin. Once she got the hang of it, she loved going fast. She looks like such a big girl to me in these pictures.

First Day Of Fall

2011-09-23T03:25:00.000-05:00

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird

I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
George Eliot

Candy Coated

2011-09-22T10:19:00.001-05:00

Is it wrong to bribe your child with candy to get them to wear something you adore? I'm so in love with this coat from Zara but I just know Stella won't wear it. She already has issues with putting a coat on. I mean, it was only 2 nights ago while changing her into her PJs that she started dancing and told me, "When I'm naked, I like to wiggle and shake". She has a big furry pink coat hanging in her closet that she's been waiting to wear for over a year now because if it's pink, she'll wear it...so I know she'll cry to wear it instead if I were to buy this. But seriously...this is candy-bribe-worthy, right?

Oysters + Saltines

2011-09-20T09:46:00.001-05:00

Fresh oysters with champagne mignonette? No way. When I was younger, my grandfather and I would sit on his dock in Florida as he'd shuck oysters on the spot. He'd put them on Saltines with a dash of Tabasco and thus started my love for oysters. To this day, that is exactly how I still like them. I have a dream to open the cutest little oyster/lobster roll bar here in Dallas. I absolutely love the likes of Pearl Oyster Bar, Mary's Fish Camp in NYC, and all the lobster roll shacks that you find roadside in Maine, such as Red's. We just don't have anything like that here. Lately, I keep coming across this oyster bar in Seattle, The Walrus and The Carpenter. Then just as I was flipping through the current Bon Appetite, I saw they listed it as one of the Best New Restaurants In America. I love that it's a clever nod to Lewis Carrol and the interior is just the cutest! How quickly can I book my flight?

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-09-18T23:21:00.000-05:00

The summer may be over but we're still breaking all the rules. Stella asked for heart-shaped pancakes for dinner and I said OK. Why not?

I'd love to say that Stella eats what we eat but that is not reality. I have a serious picky eater and I'm happy if she just eats. So while she had pancakes, we made this delicious and easy sweet bison chili in the crockpot. This recipe is a keeper! If you're not so keen on the sweet part, just omit the honey (we added less than what was called for). So happy I forgot Fritos since I'm laying low on carbs right now. I would not have been able to resist them. I highly recommend the guac, though!

After dinner, I lit some candles

(just bought this big hurricane lantern at Pierre Deux's final days sale),

grabbed a magazine that made me giddy for fall,

and watched The Emmy's. Thrilled that Mildred Pierce was nominated so much and that Kate Winslet won for her role - it was such a great movie!

Happiness Is...

2011-09-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

The first hint of fall in the air and gathering up pumpkins to place them around the house.

Birthday

2011-09-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

Both my mom and my grandmother's birthdays were on September 11. I got them this card marrying the celebration of their happy day and New York City. Seemed fitting.

And Stella painted this picture to place on top of her gift to my mom.

I love children's watercolor paintings.

Mini Interview

2011-09-12T16:37:00.001-05:00

I just adore this idea I spotted here via Pinterest (I may need an intervention). It's a mini interview that you conduct with your little one on their birthday. You then save it for them to read later. Personally, I would like to take it one step further and have Jeff and myself fill out a page as well so she can have that bit of information for keepsake, too. Now I'm thinking of the questions I'd like to ask...what would you include?

New York Tribute / Sept 11

2011-09-11T07:23:00.001-05:00

"The city streets were, indeed, unnaturally quiet that day, but it was quietness, not extinction. There was grace, an endurance, in the silence of those streets and of the country beyond them." - New York Times Editorial, September 11, 2002.

While I did live in New York during September 11, 2001, I’d rather tell you a story about September 11, 2002.

My friend and co-worker, Anna and I just could not fathom going into work on the one year anniversary. So we headed to Central Park to relax and reflect. It was unusually windy that day, so windy it was knocking out the glass windows on the Time Warner building, which was under construction. Because of this, we heard tons of sirens coming from the west side of the park. Nervous of another attack, we called friends, but then were quickly assured it was only due to the glass windows falling. Then something rather magical happened. In the distance, we could hear Billy Joel’s song, “New York State of Mind” playing. We sat there and listened, looking at each other, wondering where it could be coming from. I turned to Anna with a revelation, “this is not a recording! This is really him singing live!” We shoved our blankets into our bags and ran as fast as we could towards the music…all the way from Sheeps Meadow to the Great Lawn. Mind you, it was a work day and too windy so we were one of few in the park that day. When we entered the empty lawn we saw all the way at the other end a huge stage with none other than Billy Joel at the piano. We ran up there, spread out our blankets and listened in total disbelief. It’s as if we were having our own private concert in the middle of Central Park in the middle of New York City! After Billy rehearsed a few times, then Meryl Streep came out and rehearsed a reading. We found out that it was in preparation of a September 11 Memorial Benefit that would be held later that evening. We were also told we were more than welcome to camp out so we could have front row seats. And that’s exactly what we did. We called a few friends to join us and later listened to the likes of a local boys choir sing and Michael Bloomberg give a speech. It was a beautiful way to spend the anniversary, paying tribute to all. It was truly an “Only in New York, kids, only in New York” moment.

New York Tribute / Sept 10

2011-09-10T22:57:00.000-05:00

"I carry the place around the world in my heart but sometimes I try to shake it off in my dreams." - F Scott Fitzgerald

{via}

New York Tribute / Sept 9

2011-09-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Stella helped Jeff put our flag out on September 1. She told him she thought the colors in the flag were pretty and then asked why we were putting it out. Jeff told her, "because we love America". It made my heart smile to see them slowly popping up today in our neighborhood. I make an effort to not talk about the sad events and details surrounding not only that day but the many months that followed. It happens to be the birthday of three of my family members as well, including my mother and grandmother's. So while I allow myself a little bit of time to be sad and cry and remember, I then turn my focus on the celebration of life and our country's patriotism.

{via}

New York Tribute / Sept 8

2011-09-08T21:46:00.002-05:00

My friend, Jaine Kershner, took this gorgeous picture tonight of the lights being tested for Sunday's anniversary tribute. She also has a blog documenting her photography, Brklyn View. I'm so proud of your beautiful work, Jaine!

New York Tribute / Sept 7

2011-09-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

New York Tribute / Sept 6

2011-09-06T21:45:00.001-05:00

America's pumpkin loaded and ready to go to New York on October 11, 2001.

{William Garvey via}

First Day Of Fall (Kind Of)

2011-09-06T07:21:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Labor Day weekend we had hanging out with friends and family, swimming, cooking, and finally buying some precious pink Toms for a precious pink princess. Our heatwave broke one day shy of tying the record for hottest summer ever in Dallas. We went from highs of 107 to highs of 87. I could not believe my car read 74 yesterday morning - it feels amazing and it seems like today is the unofficial first day of fall.

The September Vogue issue, pumpkin spiced lattes, cardigans, and gearing up for the holidays...after this summer, I couldn't be more ready!

New York Tribute / Sept 5

2011-09-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

Just a handful of some of my favorite movies set in New York City...can you identify each one?

"Well, when I get it {the mean reds} the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that would make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!"

"Go get 'em, Katie."

"See ya, Hubbell."

"There's an old joke. Uh, two elderly women are at a Catskills mountain resort, and one of 'em says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible." The other one says, "Yeah, I know, and such small portions." Well, that's essentially how I feel about life. Full of loneliness and misery and suffering and unhappiness, and it's all over much too quickly."

"Move your ass, preppy".

"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

"In New York I learned that I needed to love my mother and father in all their flawed, outrageous humanity, and in families there are no crimes beyond forgiveness. But it is the mystery of life that sustains me now. I look to the north, and I wish again that there were two lives apportioned to every man - and every woman."

"At the end of every day I drive through the city of Charleston and I cross the bridge that will take me home. I feel the words building inside me, I can't stop them, or tell you why I say them, but as I reach the top of the bridge these words come to me in a whisper. I say these words as a prayer, as regret, as praise, I say: Lowenstein, Lowenstein."

"I'm impressed."
"Well, I'm in love."

"Good things come to compulsive-obsessives who fixate."

"I think we're just gonna to have to be secretly in love with

each other and leave it at that, Ritchie."

"I know I'm doing everything wrong, but I promise you that I
will always be here for you."
"Kate? You're not doing *everything* wrong."

New York Tribute / Sept 4

2011-09-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

A few months after September 11 happened, I started taking the bus to work. Being underground made me nervous and I loved catching the bus on Fifth Avenue near the Met and saying hello to certain doormen. But before that, I had always taken the subway, passing by the firehouse on 85th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. The garage door was always open with the firemen outside, holding their coffee cups, and warmly greeting everybody on their way to work. So it was heartbreaking to find out that 9 of those men were of the 343 that lost their lives that day. The amount of well-wishers carrying flowers, candles, signs, were so many that they put up barricades and closed off the whole block for about a week. And then, after those well-wishers started to dwindle, they closed the garage door. It was very hard to walk by that closed door every day on my way to work. It made me tear up every single time.

I can't recall how much time had passed when one morning I ran into a friend on my way to work. Together, we walked by the firehouse and suddenly the door was open again. And there was one fireman standing out there, coffee cup in hand, and we were almost afraid to look at him...but as we got up to him and started to pass by, he said, with a huge smile on his face, "Go get 'em, girls!"

{via}

New York Tribute / Sept 3

2011-09-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

My friend and co-worker, Kelly, and I share a love of New York. We actually lived only a few doors down from each other on the Upper East Side but met here in Dallas. We've decided to pay homage to our favorite city this month by doing things such as renting the movie, Manhattan and going to Rex's Seafood Market for their Friday-only lobster rolls (our NY favorite is Pearl Oyster Bar).

{via}

Today Jeff and I continued by doing something we would have done in New York and that is visiting a museum. I passed by The Metropolitan Museum of Art every day when I lived there and loved The Whitney and The Frick Collection in particular. Here in Dallas, the Nasher Sculpture Center fit the bill and was lots of fun for Stella, too.

New York Tribute / Sept 2

2011-09-02T07:36:00.000-05:00

It seems the longer you live in New York, the more you love a city that has vanished. For those of us well versed in the art of loving what is lost, it’s an easy leap to missing something that was never really there. - Jeremiah Moss

{via}

Jeremiah is the author of the blog, Vanishing New York, and wrote this interesting piece for the New York Times about Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" painting. I can absolutely connect with this...when I lived in New York, I was always looking for and intrigued by the New York I thought was real...Holly Golightly's apartment in Breakfast at Tiffany's, the dance school in the movie, Fame, or the hotel where Holden Caufield stayed. I think for most of us who moved to the city in our 20's, we were chasing a dream of a New York we had conjured up in our minds. And while it may not have turned out to be what we had read about or seen in movies and art...well, I think it was even better.

New York Tribute / Sept 1

2011-09-01T07:31:00.000-05:00

Woody Allen's Manhattan, 1979 - "Rhapsody in Blue"
Quite possibly the best opening scene ever.

Goodbye August

2011-08-31T15:35:00.000-05:00

Goodbye August!

Hello September!

{Busy Bees Kids}

Illustration

2011-08-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

I'm loving the simple and whimsical illustrations of Hanna Konola.

{via}

Growing Up

2011-08-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

Take trains by yourself to places you've never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don't want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you're doing here. - Eve Ensler

While probably meant for a woman in her 20's, this speaks to me as Stella had her first day in her new class (3-4 year olds). I wasn't all that worried because I got a call from her school...they thought better of their decision and moved her into the other class with all of her girlfriends from her previous class. This thrilled me. She had spent an hour each day this past week in the class she was originally placed in - just to get acclimated before today's switch. Each day I'd ask her how it went, if she liked her new room, teachers, and girlfriends but each time, she remained silent. I got absolutely no response from her. But when I told her about the change, that she was going to be with her "girls" after all, she was so excited and talked non-stop about it. So my heart is happy once again and I learned that while I'm not the type to speak up for myself, I found my voice very quickly when it came to my little girl (who wouldn't stop jumping up and down to take this picture).

I hope everybody had a wonderful return or start to their new school year!

A Southern Summer

2011-08-26T09:52:00.000-05:00

I'd love to have a porch like this some day. One where you can sit and listen to the cicadas, drink your sun-brewed iced tea, and talk and talk and talk...just seems like the perfect place to enjoy these long last days of summer. Y'all want to come over?

Have a wonderful weekend!

And if you're on the path of Irene, stay safe.

Take Note

2011-08-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

More organizing...

I'll take one of each of these darling notepads by Linda & Harriett for my desk as well.

Tray Chic

2011-08-23T09:33:00.000-05:00

Keeping in step with organizing, how about these trays from Michael Devine's home collection?

They have the same wonderful patterns as his hand printed fabrics...

Could you not just swim in this color palatte?

Doesn't it make you want to visit his shop in Kinderhook, NY?

Like pronto?!

First Ballet & Tap Class

2011-08-23T03:20:00.001-05:00

Getting Organized

2011-08-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

I bet many of us have visited The Container Store recently, getting organized for the new school year. While there, I spied these "buckets" that are just too cute. I really see them in a more beachy setting but I like them so much I think I have to purchase one or two and make use for them; perhaps in Stella's closet. And I like the idea of mixing it up, color-wise.

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-08-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

We had a fun girly day with my mom getting tap shoes, having lunch, and browsing a few stores...

We had great salads at the T Room at Forty Five Ten. But the tuna melt panini and lemon pistachio tart makes me want to return as quickly as possible. The house iced tea is a refreshing blend of china black tea with boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry.

{via}

While there isn't a kids menu, they were so sweet to make Stella a grilled cheese on ciabatta and a big bowl of fruit. She was a happy girl.

After lunch we browsed their store...

I thought this painted metal magnolia by local artist,

Larry Whiteley, was interesting.

We ventured into Nest...

And Pottery Barn Kids where I fell for these linen covered bulletin boards and the way they used string and mini clothespins to display artwork, postcards, etc.

I just bought a bulletin board last weekend so now I think I'm off to buy linen and trim to transform my board to look like this...

Mignon Faget

2011-08-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Growing up in New Orleans usually means you own a little piece of Mignon Faget's jewelry. She incorporates the likes of red beans, pelicans, alligators, king cake babies and Fleur de Lis in her designs and a trip to her Uptown shop was always a treat. My high school best friend gave me the silver garden snail earrings that I cherish and wear to this day (she wore the matching ring). A lot of those earlier pieces, however, have not been available for many years - so I was so happy to see that she's brought back designs from the archives for purchase.

I'm also loving her baby collection, which has expanded since I last visited her site. I like her take on the piggy bank...(kind of wish I saw these before getting Stella's, which we found in the French Quarter)...

Thank You

2011-08-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

Thank you for all of your sweet and supportive comments. I loved reading your similar personal experiences and parental advice. I'm feeling much better today knowing that this will probably turn out to be a blessing in disguise and that Stella will make new friends. It was a lesson I probably needed to learn early on as a mom so that I can get strongerer, too. OK, now let's talk about something pretty....

{via}

The Girls

2011-08-16T11:03:00.001-05:00

Oh, ya'll. Sometimes it's hard being a momma bear.

{Vanessa Redgrave with her daughters}

My heartbreak has officially begun. Stella's fast and furious friends at school are Sophie, Piper, and Brooke. In a week, these girls will move up into the next class and I fully anticipated them being split up. Change is good! But when the new classes were posted yesterday at school, my heart fell to see that not only would Stella not be with these three but literally every single girl in her current class will be moving together into one room and Stella is the only girl moving into another. She'll move with some other boys she knows (like precious Andrew!!!) but not even 1 of her "girls". I had to hide the tears from her in the car driving home. I can't believe I'm already feeling this way. She's only 3. And so this morning I found myself in the school office, fighting back my tears (again), as they addressed my concerns in a very sweet way. I'm expecting a call later as to the reason behind the decision but heard words this morning like, "very social", "bright", blah blah blah...words that a parent wants to hear any other time...I just want to make sure she's going to be OK in other ways. So now I find myself thinking back to her very first day when she was so shy and clinging to us and Andrew, who is so very shy himself, walked up to her and handed her a toy car. At least he'll still be in her class to watch over her.

{Stella + Andrew First Day of School last year}

Random Weekend Thoughts

2011-08-14T20:18:00.000-05:00

A pot of Portulacas...

A birthday party...

A little hula hooop and bubbles...

Here's to a great new week ahead!

Beach Towel Inspiration

2011-08-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

While visiting family last week, I had to take a snapshot of this old beach towel that really inspired me. It's sun-bleached, extra soft and big, a little tattered, and the colors and pattern reminds me of when I was young (read: the late 70's).

Have a groovy weekend!

Pierre Deux Ballet Bag

2011-08-10T21:15:00.001-05:00

Stella will soon be starting her first dance class. Seriously, what is cuter than those itsy bitsies and their jelly bean bodies in pink leotards and tights? I'm already tearing up over the thought of her recital!

I needed to get her a small bag to carry her ballet and tap shoes and clothes but wasn't finding anything that I was loving. Then today I went to the sample sale at Pierre Deux's showroom. If you haven't heard the sad news, they have filed for bankruptcy and shuttered all locations, only to reopen for the next 6 - 9 weeks to sell off their merchandise. All Connecticut homes decorated in the 80's are crying...can you hear them? I'm actually a little nostalgic over their infamous fabrics...my mom had the most adorable wicker sofa that had cushions upholstered in one of their navy floral numbers. So when I spotted a bag in a very similar fabric, I had to get it! Since my mom will be taking Stella to her dance classes every Monday, it only seemed fitting.

If you aren't in a city that has a Pierre Deux showroom, prices have been cut on their website and there is a clearance section, too. You'll just need to scroll on down past the legal notice and click on the tab at the bottom of the page. Happy stroll down memory lane! Don't you think you need to nab a little bit of history before it's gone?