...and I feel fine

"It's the end of the world as we know it"

...Well, at least the Mayan's thought so.  And so, as I'm pretty confident that I'll get to wear my Hudson boots that I searched high and low for after the "world ends" tomorrow, I can't help but wonder what those calendar keepers so long ago must have thought.  While we've crept closer and closer to the "end of the world" date I tried best not to think about it.  But now, it's upon us.  And so I think...what will I do today?  Too bad the "last day" is so rainy and dreary.  But, if it weren't...I'd take the preschooler to the beach, her favorite place...and mine too.  We'd then head to Disney World, because, well...it's the happiest place on earth, right?  And I'd be heartbroken if she didn't get to see Aerial and Mickey and all their friends.  Then we'd eat the best crab at Joes Stone Crab in Miami Beach, before heading to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and eat a bacon sandwhich and macarons from Laduree.  I'd then head to New Orleans for dinner at Commander's Palace, followed by a Pimm's Cup at the Napolean House and listen to Dr. John at Tipitina's.  We'd swing by Cafe Du Monde for some beignets and get a coffee to go before heading home to be with my family...hold them close...hunker down with our dogs, and tell each other how lucky we are that the day is over and we're still alive...except we'll have no money left after that little jaunt!  Fun to think about nonetheless.  As the holidays approach, I'm so grateful for family and friends and just knowing they're there even when we don't see them often enough.  My heart is broken for the Connecticut children, their parents and their community.  It makes no sense and there are no words for such unspeakable events.  But, to say that we are all lucky to have what we have whether it's a lot or a little is an understatement in light of so many that are broken and hurting.  My heart goes out to them.
And so, I leave you with this...take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you've experienced, endured, accomplished, this past year.  Make a promise to be a better person (we all need improvement), make a promise to be more present in someone's life who needs you or just needs a friend, make a promise to be more accountable for your actions and those that affect others, make a promise to be kind to others.  If we all do that...the world will be a better place and no calendar would ever make us think otherwise.  What's the world coming to?  It's coming to us, to better serve it, to better serve each other and to make it a better place...it's up to us. 
Hope your holidays are safe, happy, and sparkly.  Hope you get exactly what you want but most of all love.  Until the new year...xoxo!

Here's a little something to get your day and tomorrow started..."It's the end of the world...and I feel fine"

image credit: vale-timon-tumbler

Wish List time...

Where has the time gone?  It's nearly Christmas and I've yet to post my wish list...much to the dismay of my Mom...I'm sure!  So, here goes.  As before...these are things that I want, love, am coveting obsessed with!  I'm not suggesting that you should buy something or suggesting superior quality of an item...just merely suggesting that there might be a BIG ole smile on my face come Christmas morning if I should happen to open one of these items.  So, without further hesitation...I give to you...

The 2012 Wish List:

1. Dyson Vacuum - still pining for this sucker!
2. Banjo with lessons - cause let's face it, I'd be the hit of the party if I could twang a little twang!
3. French lessons - cause it's just pretty.
4. Sandgren "New York" clog boots in Royal Navy - cause they're different and they'd look good with everything.
5. Dixie letter press print from The Old Try via Garden and Gun - cause, well...you know.
6. Dixie T-shirt from The Old Try - again, just cause.
7. A weekend at Palmetto Bluff - cause it looks like heaven on earth
8. The Summer Red photograph from Garden and Gun for over our bed (top image) - cause nothing is more relaxing than thinking about riding in a truck with the windows down and the sun flying on your face.
9. A creative job - cause I'm so full of ideas I might pull a Van Gogh!
10. Tuckernuck Sunday Bag in chestnut or mango (or any color, really) with block monogram- cause I'm a Mom and my purse has to be big enough to hold gum and mints and small forks and wipes and tissues and magnificent drawings and baby dolls and general stuff that the preschooler no longer wants to hold! (and because I might have a tote fetish obsession)
11. A Barbour waxed canvas coat - cause, well...I don't know...I just really like them.
12. A hair stylist that I trust with all my heart - for obvious reasons.
13. A weekend with my girlfriends - cause it's been too long!
14. An upholstered wall - cause they are so glamorous and I could then fling myself against the wall or bang my head against the wall when I throw a fit for added drama.
15. My grandfather's old Chevy truck that no one drives that just sits there begging to be loved and driven down a winding road.
16. A Sarah Ashely Longshore painting - cause they're just plain fun and she's from my hometown and my friend!
17. A goat - the little kind - cause they are so cute and I've always wanted one.
18. A professional organizer - cause when I moved I discovered just how close I am to actually being on TLC's Hoarders.
19. Crazy, wild-eyed, no consequences kind of fun - cause I'm not sure that still exists once you're over 35 or have a child.  But I know I still have it in me...just sayin.
20. Calligraphy lessons - cause the art of handwriting is becoming extinct.

So, there you have it. I'm sure I'll receive next to none of those items but it's still nice to dream a little.  Maybe I'll compile all my wish lists into a little book to look back on.  Wouldn't it be fun to be able to see what I "wished" for in the 80's?  Man, I'd love to know.  I'm sure it included makeup and hot rollers and roller skates and anything sparkly or scratch and sniffy. 

What are you hoping and wishing for this year? 

image credit - Summer Red by stacey haines, photographer 

tis the season...

I ordered our holiday cards this week and have already received an email saying that they have been reviewed and are ready to ship...I couldn't decide which card and photo combo to use this year so I asked the preschooler which she liked best and her response..."I like them both".  They are both so completely different so I decided to order some of each.  And so, as I'm waiting with baited breath for them to arrive so that I can hold them in my hot little hand...I started thinking...I bet those people that work at those holiday card places like Tiny Prints, Shutterfly, Minted, Pinhole Press, etc. must have the most fun this time of year aside from the hustle and bustle of this probably being their busiest season.  Can you just imagine getting to see everyones best photos and designs?  I mean, I get so excited to just get one holiday card in the mail...I would be in heaven spying in on everyones life for a moment...living vicariously through them, going skiing with them, to the beach, sailing (cause we all know how much I love that!), camping, ect.  Who cares if they are strangers.  Every year when we go to the my in-laws house for the holidays, I look forward to perusing the big basket that holds all of their holiday cards they've received.  I know very few of the people but still really enjoy looking.  Imagine this on a much larger scale and getting paid for it!  Maybe I should consider a career change! 

p.s. I love this holiday card display idea (pictured above)!  I'm always at a loss for how to display holiday cards...this would be perfect!  I also have a friend that does a medium size foil (silver) tree and punches holes in the cards, adds pretty ribbon and hangs all the cards on her "card tree"!  Love that idea too!

image credit: me oh my

Thankful Thursday...on Wednesday

So, a funny thing happened this morning.  Today...on the eve of Thanksgiving, when people are beginning to get into that frenzied state of mind, shopping, cooking, general holiday craziness...I was swept off my feet by a stranger's generosity and kindness.  I had dropped the preschooler off at school and headed to Starbucks to commence sitting in the holiday line that ensues when they have all their fall/winter coffee flavors and and no one is working.  As I sat behind the biggest, shiniest, black Mercedes that I've ever seen, admiring the swankiness of it...the elitism of the Rollins College tag (look it up...it's a good one) the driver slowly pulled forward, forward still...I placed my order for a bacon gouda breakfast sandwich and a grande coffee. Still inching forward the man in the car of my dreams pulled away from the window...now it was my turn to pay and get my items.  When I arrived at the window the girl told me..."the man in front of you paid for yours".  As I looked up...searching for the shiniest car ever...he drove away.  I didn't even have a chance to give him a wave of thanks.  I can't really describe to you the feeling of such selflessness.  Yes, it was only an 8 dollar purchase but from a complete stranger makes it seem like a million dollar purchase.  It gives you hope...hope that more people will be nice, especially during the holidays.  I'm thankful for the man and the car and the Rollins tag that paid it forward today...putting a smile on my face and warming my heart more than any coffee could ever do!

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for my girlfriends who are always there for me...you know who you are!  I'm thankful for my 5 very best friends that I've had since college...we talk every single day via email.  We laugh together, cry together, and know every detail of each other's life...especially the in-law parts.  We have been together since 1993 and never miss a beat.  We can go forever without seeing each other (though we prefer not to) but as soon as we're together we pick right up where we last stopped.  They have been an unending source of inspiration, support, and devotion.  I would do anything for any one of them.  They are the best friends a girl could ever have!  Hands down! 

p.s. kinda like these girls!



image credit: isaboo designs

Thankful...er, Monday's

I can't believe last week got away from me so quickly that I didn't even post my Thankful Thursday post!  So, here it is...on Monday...

I am thankful for my family.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family that loves and supports me no matter what.  My sweet girl lights up mine and the husband's life every single day.  I'm thankful for my parents and sister and for the husband's parents and his brother and their family who are all so loving.  I'm thankful for all of our extended family and the fact that we spend as much time together as possible...laughing, having fun, and catching up.  I can't imagine life without them!

image credit: isaboo designs 

big and small

Just thinking about some things...maybe it's the chilly mornings but for some reason I'm having this craving to crawl in bed with the preschooler in the mornings.  Actually, I find myself wanting to sleep with her at night too.  Also, every time I pick her up now I'm reminded that she isn't little anymore...soon, I'll no longer be able to grab her up in a moments notice.  Granted, there will always be that "super mom strength" for the scary-don't-fall-moments, but I'm talking about just the ease of picking her up for a hug or a kiss or simply because I want to carry her.  It makes me sad but at the same time I'm so excited for the little lady she's becoming. 
And so, in preparing my thoughts for her bedroom makeover, which was promised when we moved to our new house and also because she's kind of outgrown her toddler bed, I'm faced with a decision of whether or not to get her a twin bed or a full size.  The twin bed would be so cute and allow more actual space in her room for toys and for her to play...but, the full size would give her room to stretch her legs, grow, and let her Mama sleep with her!  When I asked her what she preferred she of course was thrilled with the idea of me sleeping with her...the Husband, not so much.  Or, maybe it's that I'm completely smitten with the bed we've I've picked out for her room (see above).  It comes in both twin and full size.  I have until Christmas to decide...big or small??

image credit: Land of Nod

Thankful Thursdays

November!  I can't believe it's already here!  Seems we were just getting the sand out of our shoes from the beach and now it's chilly and time to think about the holidays and turkey and hot soup!  For the month of November I'm going to replace "Thursday's things" with a new segment..."Thankful Thursdays".  I'll highlight things that I'm especially thankful for.  It's good to make these lists from time to time to put things in your life in perspective.  We get so caught up in our day to day activities and duties that I know I often find myself forgetting what's most important. 
And so, today...November 1st...
I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer that are not in a dark, musty basement.  (Sometimes, it's the little things).  I lived with my laundry in the basement for 10 years.  I despised going down there to do it and lugging it up and down the 13 stairs back and forth, back and forth.  Now, in our new house it's right in the hallway...down from our bedrooms.  It is life changing!

So, here's a little challenge...take a moment to think and write down one thing you are thankful for.  You can do it daily or on Thursdays like me.  You can share them here in the comments each week or you can keep them to yourself, whatever you wish.  But, at the end of November...you'll have a great little list of pick-me-ups that will help you slog through the hectic holiday season and the winter blues.  You'll be able to remember at a moments notice the important things...things that make you smile.

image credit: Isaboo Designs

when I grow up

If you could have any job in the world...what would it be?  Recently I've been thinking about that.  As silly a question as it is, it's recently become something of an endeavor for me...to figure out what in the world I'm supposed to be doing.  I've always had an office type position and never really felt completely settled or fulfilled.  Having gone back to work about 3 months ago I'm working out of my home now and while that sounds all idyllic...it's really been tough.  Partly because of the self-motivation, although the pace of the job has been so fast and furious I haven't as of late had trouble with that.  Maybe it's the actual stuff I'm doing...whatever it is, I know that I have that unsettled feeling.  That feeling that I should be doing something more...something creative.  I mean, I've got so much creative energy that there are times that my ear might come into question (think Van Gogh).  But, here's the problem...how do you capitalize on a quality that is hard to define?  People love to hire creative minds and forward thinkers but how do you get into that chair in their stark, bold office to profess your love of all things...er, abstract (think: outside of the box, bold thinking, artsy qualities)?  For years and years I tried to wedge my Manolo's into the razor thin door of a local advertising/magazine powerhouse...only to be told time and time again that I either had no experience or they weren't hiring.  And so, I pushed the idea of doing what I wanted to do creatively to the side and went to work doing a mundane job just like most of the people my age.  Then I started to wonder...and still do to an extent...does anyone truly love what they do.  I mean, on a day to day basis, does anyone get up in the morning excited to go to whatever it is that they do? I don't mean the workaholic type...I've known many of those.  I'm talking about someone who can't conceal the smile on their face when they talk about what they do.  That is what I want.  What do you want?

image credit: golden parachutes

gossip girl

Good lawd!  I have just had a major realization and I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't put two and two lacquered door-classic-Hermes-esque things together.  But...turns out, that little post I wrote a while ago...C. Wonder, well turns out the man behind the name is the ex-husband of fashion mogul Tory Burch.  That's right, Chris Burch is a venture capitalist who helped Tory launch her brand and is still a shareholder in Tory Burch, LLC.  And now?...you guessed it...he's mad as hell!  How did I miss this scandal?  Well, maybe it's not really a hot topic right now but after Brian Williams' NBC interview this Thursday about her empire and how "there's a dark cloud" over it...I bet people will be talking.  And so, because...despite my stalker tendencies, I know neither of them...I can honestly say that I love both.  Albeit, C.Wonder is much more affordable and looks just as great and classic.  I can't wait to get all the gritty details about this but for now...let's compare.  Below are photos of each store.  Orange is Tory's...Green is Chris's...

You draw your own conclusions but the resemblance is striking.  Now, I've got to find that brass pelican I spy on the top shelf of C. Wonder's store!  Seriously...I need it!

image credit: referenced in original posts

versions

I came across this blog post via Lost while perusing another blog fave of mine...and it resonated with me...I often find myself doing this exact thing.  Although, being southern we don't take trains to work unless we are indeed the conductor, engineer or wayward teenager(who is actually going nowhere).  Nonetheless...something to think about...

I have a new route to work now. On an overground train that passes parks and houses and a school, that passes other trains. On which I stand closely to strangers for about eight minutes, never more than 10. Sometimes our hands touch as the train lurches and one of us reaches for something to hold on to. Other times I accidentally make eye contact with the done-up blonde or the two men in suits, at least one of whom must feel choked by his tie, the other choked by expectation, regret, any of life’s other nooses.

Often I imagine what it feels like to be the wives of the men wearing wedding rings, to be the children of the mothers who can talk about nothing but them, to be the done-up blonde with everything so perfect and smooth and I wonder how many people ever get to be the version of themselves they wished they could become. 

And so, I think about what I wanted to be when I grew up...the version I've become.  Though the profession changed many times, the husband part, mother part, child part, I accomplished.  The "everything so perfect and smooth" part mentioned above...not so much.  But then, that's what makes us who we are and makes us strive to be better at the versions of ourselves that we imagined.

image credit: fifty-fifty clown via flickr

twilight

Very very close to being back at this.  For now...I'm entering a blue phase...as in navy.  Also considering white skinny jeans and riding boots paired with a fisherman's sweater, separately considering evening earrings for daytime, preppy ball caps for evening...seriously, my world is upside down.  And well...I'm kinda getting used to it and maybe enjoying the frenetic pace a little.?! For now though...all I can think about is SLEEP, SLEEP, and more SLEEP.  I'm so incredibly tired!  Stars would be nice too!
Can't wait to detail all the craziness soon.  Stay tuned. 

p.s. love love love this print!

image credit: katie daisy

Thursday's things...

Slowly but surely I'm gaining some ground on this work-from-home thing and full time school for the preschooler and moving craziness!  Hopefully I'll be back in blogging action very very soon.  But, I thought I'd do a "Thursday's things" post just to keep you reading and smiling! 

I'm a bag lady of sorts...I love a tote bag and my closets can attest since they are stashed in nearly every closet of our house!  I'm partial to L.L. Bean and Land's End boat totes because they are timeless and budget friendly.  Of course, I have a list of favorite non-budget-friendly ones I love as well but I'll save you the pain of their pricing on this post.  However, I've discovered a bag that makes me swoon and it could be my new favorite!  Tuckernuck is a genius because this bag captures timeless casual style while also looking very swanky without breaking the bank at $153!  Now, which one will I choose?  I'm leaning toward the 'mango' color since it's a Hermes-esque=orange...but I do love the 'navy' and 'chestnut' as well...which do you like? 



image credit: Tuckernuck 

eye of the storm

Given the fact that I've missed the last two "Thursday's things"...and trying to play catch up in all aspects of my life...somehow I feel like I'm in the eye of the storm.  I'll be back...just need a breather to figure out this new schedule of a million house showings, conference calls galore, and preschooler changes.  Ironically, nearly 7 years ago to the date I took a job with a company right before Hurricane Katrina hit and unleashed it's fury on New Orleans.  And here we are again...similarities eerie...I'm back working for the same company (essentially after buyouts and trades, etc.) and we have another hurricane in the Gulf trying to be all "I'm just like Katrina"...once again eyeing the Gulf coast and New Orleans.  So as to possibly break the crazy similar voodoo-esque chain of events I have to focus on some other things for a bit.  In the meantime...head over to some of my very favorite blogs...

http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/

http://www.atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

http://thelovelist.net/

Happy reading and I'll see ya soon!

image credit: site for art

winding down

With summer winding down, I find myself clinging to the last days of freedom, days at the pool, weekends at the beach, and lazy days of relaxing.  What better way to bid summer farewell than with a few old movies that always make me think of those long fleeting summer days.  While I could go on and on, here are some of my favorite: Dirty Dancing...I mean, a family vacation in the mountains, love, scandal, swimming, and dancing...what could be better?  Next up, Bull Durham...such a great movie for so many reasons featuring the boys of summer and well...Kevin Costner!  And then there's Say Anything...it's the beginning of summer and Lloyd Dobbler does the impossible and spends a summer with the girl of his dreams...who wouldn't want to date a guy like Lloyd? And, last but not least, National Lampoon's Family Vacation...the "old family truckster", a dead family member, a crazy cousin, a cross country trek to an amusement park that's closed for repairs...summer fun at it's best!
Things have been crazy here the past couple weeks.  The toddler is now a preschooler, I've taken a job, and the preschooler started a new school.  With that said...we could all use a good movie day!  What are your favorite summertime movies? 

Thursday's things

Lucky Dog

When I came across this gem I was completely smitten!  If you know anything about New Orleans, you know the Lucky Dog!  The rolling hot dog carts that dot the street corners in the French Quarter for late night revelers and just plain ole hungry folk alike...a New Orleans tradition.  So, when local jeweler, Mignon Faget, debuted the Dawn DeDeaux- Lucky Dog necklace in sterling...knowing my love for Mignon Faget and all things New Orleans, I knew I had to have one!  And, maybe I'll have a little luck on my side...er, around my neck!

Go ahead...get a dog of your own here!

image credit: mignon faget

Thursday's things...on Monday

If not the seemingly endless swimsuit season...the olympics have made me wish I was more sporty...or at least had a more sporty body!  With the change of seasons nearing, I have decided that I have to make a change as well or I will soon be the spokesperson for things that jiggle and I'm not talking about JELLO!  I guess somewhere between chasing the toddler, I've found time to sit a little too long therefore making my muscles sag with sadness!  So, here's to making those muscles smile, here's to a future of non-skirted bathing suit bottoms, and to waving with an arm raised high in a sleeveless shirt without knocking anyone out!  What's your favorite way to stay fit...and have fun doing it? 

future olympiad

Last week the toddler started her first formal swimming lessons...just in time for the Olympics and I must say watching the women's and men's swimming events each night has helped get her excited about being in the water.  She loves to "swim" but her idea thus far has been holding on to me or the husband, jumping off the side whilst holding our hands and landing with such precision so as to not get her face wet.  Last week was day to day at swim lessons...one day she was fine...the next day she was a mess.  I am happy to report that as of yesterday she has turned a corner.  I couldn't keep her out of the water yesterday and all she wanted to do was "go under"...a far cry from the bartering she was doing with her teacher last week.  And so, as we watched Missy Franklin win her first gold medal at the age of 17 last night...the husband and I wondered aloud if we might be able to watch our little girl do the same thing one day.  Lofty aspirations...I know, but...anything is possible, right?

image: the toddler getting her game face on.
p.s. as you can tell from the photo above...I'm stretching the title of "toddler"  given her size...I know.  But she's only three!

Thursday's things...

Town & Country is not new to me by any means but I've recently become reacquainted with it.  As a child, I remember it gracing the coffee table at my grandmother's house and then later in college our sweet house mother in my sorority had every issue and I used to peruse the pages of the privileged while sustaining solely on ramen noodle and the occasional fried chicken day at the sorority house...oh, and Taco Bell.  Not exactly the likes of the beautiful pages of T&C but one can dream.  I just picked up this month's issue and it does not disappoint.  If you are a true prep and lover of the nicer things in life you need look no further on the newsstand than T&C (or G&G...Garden and Gun...but that's another post altogether)!  Go get yourself a copy...happy reading!

image credit: Town & Country

torn

Let's talk about tennis shoes for a minute...I love the idea of a sneaker but for some reason I can't get over the look of them.  Even the cute ones.  Even while I was pregnant and my feet had rebelled against every shoe I tried, I couldn't seem to fit them into my wardrobe.  No matter how cute, they make me feel clunky and unattractive.  With that said...you wouldn't know I felt that way since I have at least 20 pair of tennis shoes in my faux walk-in closet right now.  I've got seersucker Converse, Converse in nautical colors, navy Keds (don't judge, I'm a child of the 70's), Brooks running shoes, New Balance running shoes and the likes there of.  But, what I want is a tennis shoe I can wear with skinny jeans...less sporty and more preppy (again, I'm a child of the 70's and teen of the 80's).  I've seen the Superga's that are cute and trendy with the Hollywood/LA set, and I've tried to remember why I loved Keds to begin with but each time I feel more kindergarten teacher (not that there is anything wrong with that) and less trendsetter.  So, in thinking back to the days that I popped on a tennis shoe without any thought and wore them until the rubber cracked and the laces frayed, I finally came up with what it was I loved...no, it wasn't the high top Reebok's that I sported with doubled up socks...though they were really comfortable...nope, it was Tretorn.  How could I have forgotten?  I had them in yellow, and white, and pink.  And judging by the fact I had three pair, I'm pretty certain the price was not what it is today!  Recently, I've seen Tretorn's making a comeback in J.Crew catalogs, and in some of the glossies but I haven't actually seen anyone wearing them. But, I think that's about to change...if I have anything to do with it.  After visiting the Tretorn site, I'm "torn" on which one's to get...I want all of the classic Nylite canvas ones.  They come in a range of colors now but I have a feeling I'll default to the old school classic white with pop of color.  I can't remember if they were comfortable.  I don't remember them being uncomfortable but that's never stopped me from buying a shoe I loved...the husband can attest to this.  And so, Tretorn it is...hopefully this will fill my preppy-goes-with-anything-tennis shoe fetish...er, craving!

image credit: tretorn

Thursday's things

Jack of all trades

I'm a huge fan of all things summer and the Jack Rogers sandal is at the top of that list.  Popularized by Jackie Kennedy's Palm Beach days, this shoe exudes class and sophisticated simplistic style while maintaining a relaxed beach look.  In an array of colors, there's a Jack Rogers for everyone and every occasion.  In fact, my sweet cousin is getting married in September, at the beach no less, and is wearing a pair of baby blue Jack Rogers with her wedding dress...her something blue.  With fall just around the corner, slip on some Jack's to enjoy those final months of summer sun!

image credit: jack rogers

first class style

This past weekend, the toddler, husband, and I took to the skies that were...er, not so friendly in, well, a couple of ways.  First the weather was uncooperative on our flight home yesterday which always makes me a wreck...but, more unsettling than the atmospheric pressure were the things that people wear when they fly.  I know it's summer and well...it's hot, and maybe you have a nice tan and want to show it off but the airplane isn't exactly the best place to display your, er...wares.  After enduring a 2 hour delay yesterday at the airport I had ample opportunity to see outfits of all sorts and sizes.  And that's a whole different issue.  Seems people, grown adults, are unaware of their correct sizing.  If you wear a size 8 then a size 0 is not going to fit you nor is it going to appear to fit you for those of us in line behind you.  And, what is it about the airport that brings out school pride in everyone? I have school spirit too but prefer to fly in something other than a jersey.  I guess I'm still of the "old school" theory...dress nice for your flight.  Have some pride in yourself, and wherever you're going.  I love the ladies dressed in slacks and jackets, cute flats, etc.  Which brings me to another issue...there is absolutely no reason to wear 6 inch heels on a flight.  I don't care who you are or where you're going.  I saw a lady yesterday in the airport with such shoes on...barely able to walk.  I didn't know whether she needed a band-aid or a wheel chair.  I guess that's where the line of looking good for your flight and comfort is blurred.  I'm here to tell you that it is possible to look good and be comfortable at the same time in something not requiring the words "Juicy" stitched across your back section.  And so, as I sat there in my green JBrand jeans, JCrew tunic, and Bernardo flats I was amazed at the attire of most...just thinking about the girl in the jean shorts so short that I hoped it was her bathing suit...sitting in my seat before me...or the girl in the pants so low that I'm certain her entire bare backside was literally spilled out into the seat that would soon be taken possibly by me or the husband or toddler.  You get the picture...I could go on and on.  Point is, I wish things were how they used to be...people were excited to look nice to fly somewhere, whether it was on vacation or their honeymoon, or just to go home.  But alas, nearly gone are the days of getting bumped up to first class just for looking nice.  But, if you are still interested in looking like a jet setter...here are a few suggestions that don't include lettered sweatshirts and sweatpants...and then, well, maybe we can all sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.

image credit: top:howstuffworks, bottom:polyvore

Thursday's things...

Ombre woes

So, after loving ombre/balayage hair color from afar for so long, I decided to finally bite the color blocked bullet and try it myself.  Leery...of course, scared...yes...disappointed...pretty much.  After realizing my stylist didn't quite know what she was doing...it was too late to turn back.  My appointment was at 2:30pm and I left at 6:00pm.  Let's just say that I'm making a run to the drug store today for some all over color to tone down my...as the toddler calls it, "yellow hair".  I guess yellow hair is better than yellow teeth, but not much better!  I had to run by the grocery yesterday afterwards and considered going to one I never go to so as to not be seen.  Sadly, I've learned my lesson the hard way.  In the end, she didn't charge me one dime for a treatment that costs over $200 typically.  The other sad thing is that my stylist is super sweet and I'd never have the guts to tell her I didn't love it...although I think she knew though.  I've had mishaps with color she has done before so I think I'm now on the hunt for a new stylist.  Breaking up is hard to do though.  Have you ever had a hair mishap?  Did you break up or just tough it out?

Just for reference...my hair was supposed to look similar to Alexa Chung's photo above.  Granted it's similar but similar doesn't quite cut it when it's not spot on.  There's really no room for error with color like this which is ironic because the look is sort of unkept.  The process is anything but!  To give you an idea, the dark part of mine is only on the very top of my head...kind of like a little hat.  Where as Alexa's dark part extends further down with the blonde/yellow just on the lower portion/tips.  

If you see me in line at the drug store with a real hat on my head...eyes pointed to the ground and pretending not to hear you calling my name...just know I'm still in hiding!  

 

firecrackers and fly balls

Happy 4th of July!!

How will you celebrate our nation's independence tomorrow?  We are planning on going to a minor league baseball game, grilling out, and watching the fireworks with the excitement of the toddler!  We'll be decked out in red, white, and blue...or in the toddler's case...red, white, and pink as she will be wearing the Lilly Pulitzer print above!  We are looking forward to our day of fun...celebrating all those men and women who have made our free country possible...we pledge our allegiance!

image credit: the college prepster via Lilly Pulitzer

Thursday's things...on Sunday

Apparently the heat has gone to my head!  With temps soaring into the 100's...and those are actual temps not including heat index, (which in my opinion is never really accurate.  For instance, if it's 107 degrees outside...as it was yesterday, the actual "feels like" or heat index was probably 200 degrees rather than the 115 they predicted!) it's been hard to keep on track of what day it is and what I need to do...other than go to the pool!  Yesterday we spent the morning swimming and the afternoon ice skating.  Yes, even the pool was too hot!  You had to stay in the water the entire time and with the growing crowd it was nearly impossible to keep some personal space!  Ice skating was fun but with the toddler new to the ice and with the husband's and my aged ankles we could only seek refuge in the ice room for about an hour.  Alas, we're tucked inside today with all the curtains drawn and the air working overtime to keep us cool.  We're gonna venture out for a popsicle later this afternoon...I'm already thinking I'm gonna need more than one!  And so, in the tone and gruff and confidence of the Dos Equis beer man...Stay...er, cool, my friends!

image credit: the weather channel

highbrow

Recently I've noticed something.  It's very small and usually something that people talk about during the holidays but I've noticed that the toddler has "them" all the time.  And I can't help but wonder that if we were to just take a facial cue from the little ones we might view the world a little differently, a little better, a little more enlightened.  In nearly every photo (except the ones where she's squirming and uncooperative), and in nearly every instance of daily life...whether we are out and about on daily errands or doing something comepletely new, the toddler has a wide eyed look of wonderment...raised eyebrows...wondering what is around each and every corner...through every single door.  What if we were that enthusiastic about what life holds for us?  What if we were as excited to see what comes next?  Granted, there are days that the tears are plenty and every corner sharp...every door closed, but in general it seems that everything is a true connection.  She anticipates each activity as if it could be something super.  If we all took this approach we might actually see something new or look at things differently, notice something that's been there all the while but we were too grounded...to set in our ways to actually see it...take it all in.  And so, I think maybe I'll try to figure out a way to be more excited about each day...each errand, each door I open.  At the very least, all this eyebrow raising will make me look more awake...maybe!

image credit: curiositykills

Thursday's things...

LAFCO New York - House & Home Candles

So I'm new on the scene to these wonderful luxurious candles but I am completely smitten!   Each one is specially formulated with a scent to accent a room in your house, your lake house, pool house, beach house, farm house, ski house, carriage house, etc.  With rooms like Dining Room, Master Bedroom, Bathroom, Breakfast Room, Living Room, Library, etc., you're sure to find a scent that suits you and your room.  In addition to the incredible fragrance, each candle is hand poured in a glass jar that can be used as a flower vase, drinking glass (albeit a very large drinking glass), or a vessel to store whatever you need to store.  It comes with detailed instructions on removing the last bit of wax for future use of the gorgeous container.  These beauties aren't cheap so imagine my excitement when a dear friend bought it for me as a "happy" while she was on vacay in Seaside!  It may very well be the best candle ever (and she, the best friend ever)...filling every single room with a luxurious fragrance that evokes whatever mood you desire! 

Click here to get one for yourself...or maybe one of your very lucky friends!

image credit: shelterpop

Thursday's things...on Friday

Wednesday I experienced something that I have never experienced before. I know I have a lifetime of this type thing ahead of me but I guess what caught me by surprise was my emotional response. For weeks, well...about a month now, we have been grooming the toddler for "Princess Camp". No, I'm not a "Toddlers and Tiaras" mom...at all, and never will be, but our local dance studio gave us a flyer one day on an afternoon ice cream walk about a month ago advertising their princess camp. While summer camps are completely new to me from the parent perspective, I know these are big deals for kids summering at home. Parents scurry to sign their child up for every camp under the sun that they can jam into the school hiatus...keeping them busy and engaged is, well...the name of the game and, pretty expensive, no less. So, after perplexing over the price tag for the three day camp, I bit the bullet and signed her up, paid our tuition, and proceeded to pump the toddler up about it for weeks now. "Listen to your teacher..."Do what she says". "If you are a listening you have to be quiet". "Make new friends"...etc. We talked about it on a daily basis. And Wednesday...was the day. We got up early, she ate her oatmeal, got her leotard on, slipped into her ballet slippers and tutu and we headed toward the village. As we approached, a sinking feeling starting to slink in as I realized that there were no cars parked out front. For an idea...the "village" is a quaint, pre-war area of brick and slate stores...all connected...a, er, pre-war strip mall if you will. So, there was still a glimmer of hope that possibly everyone was dropped off and the few cars that were on the street might be instructors who didn't want to take up space directly out in front of the studio. We parked. At this point the morning sun was shining directly on the the plate glass walls that line the studio frame therefore making it nearly impossible to see beyond the canvas awnings. I slowly emerged from the car...waiting only to watch a woman parked in a late model Ford get her daughter out of the back...hoping she was headed into the studio as well...but alas, they disappeared in the opposite direction. I rounded our car and slowly broke the news to the toddler that "we might not be having princess camp today". Confusion set in...on both our parts. We approached the door. Locked. We held fast to the plan, after all, it was still ten minutes before class was to begin. I made her pose for a few quick photos. But all she could do was press her face to the sheet of glass. "No one is here, Mama". We waited. In my heart, I knew no one was coming and I would soon be faced with tearing down all the excitement I worked so hard to build. I knew there would be tears. I just didn't know they would be mine. I called the number on the glass...and with assistance from the husband, secured another number from the website to call as well. The June session of Princess Camp had been cancelled. The apologies were many and the promise of a refund was forthright but none of that meant anything to the toddler. I knelt down by the toddler, putting my arm around her tutu-ed waist and slowly broke the news. Her tears were immediate as she recounted..."but, I promised to mind and listen to the teacher"...and then my tears were immediate. I was able to brush them away so as to not further upset her but she was devastated. I know that this was nothing really, just a three day dance camp. I know that there will be many other moments just like this, but I didn't realize it would be so hard. It's hard to explain things to a 3 year old, especially when you're having to make excuses for something that there really is no excuse for. Maybe these little reconciliations prepare us as parents for the bigger letdowns in life. Who knows, all I know is that the husband and I were so hurt for her. The silver lining to this...a chocolate milk from Starbucks, a sugar cookie from Mrs. Fields, lunch at her favorite Mexican joint, and going to the pool later that afternoon made everything better. And, somehow I was able to turn the whole fiasco into a life lesson..."this is why we have to do what we are supposed to do because when we don't, people get hurt and feelings get hurt"...the toddler agreed. Somewhere amongst all the confusion and tears, a nice lady jogging by the studio saw the toddler crying (thankfully not me!) and stopped. She recommended another dance studio in town who ironically is doing a Princess Camp next week. I drove right over and signed the toddler up...I've already received confirmation, and I'm happy that the toddler will eventually get her, er, crown...life isn't always a fairytale...that's for sure!

"Bueller, Bueller, Bueller"

Wow!  It's been a while...sorry for the delay but our internet has been down and then I've been super busy with birthdays and camps for the toddler, out of town jaunts and various other diversions!  I'm back in action now so please excuse my absence! 

For a little 80's absentee fun click here...

image credit: takepart

Jubilant

In honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee here are a few pictures to get you in the spirit! 

image credit: (1) decor pad  (2)anniversary home (3) providence modern country (4) loving life being christy (5) unionjacks.org (6) vintage yankee  

Thursday's things

Recently I've been noticing a new trend in nail polish.  Besides all the fantastic summer colors... including neon and soft, yet bright pastels...there has been an ever growing appearance of painting one nail, usually the ring finger or index finger in a different shade than the rest.  So, when I met some friends last week for pedicures, I decided to give the trend a try on my toes.  Aside from the initial response from the toddler and husband..."oh, no, what happened to that nail?"...the response has been fun and I really love the complimentary colors.  I chose Essie's "mint candy apple" for all my toes and OPI's "Cajun shrimp" for my big toe on the left foot.  I'm loving the funkiness of it!  So, give it a try on your toes or fingers...and say hello to summer fun!

image credit: Atlantic-Pacific

red, white, and blue

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Whether you're headed to the beach, to the lake, getting together with family or friends...have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend honoring those who have served this great nation.  We are eternally grateful for your preservation of our freedom...not just this weekend, but everyday of the year!

Thursday's things

A dear friend of mine recently experienced a situation that all of us have experienced at some point...leading to feelings of hurt and resentment, which got me thinking about how I, myself, handle forgiveness. If you haven't figured out by now, I'm a fairly emotional person. I take heart with my actions and try terribly to please everyone, say the right things, and be a friend to everyone. However, in doing so I often find myself buried chest deep in doubt and worry, and even sometimes anger. The husband always says, "you're gonna have to let this go". And I know he's right but sometimes it's not so easy. Which got me thinking about letting things go in general, what it means to forgive, listen, and understand...how is it that sometimes we are so blindsided by the truth that we...make up our own? There are always two sides to every story...good or bad. Don't you remember playing that game "I've got a secret" in elementary school? The teacher would tell the first person on the first row of the classroom a secret. We'd sit there in our little wooden seats with baited breath as the first student whispered to the next and then that classmate whispered it to the next and so on and so forth. The excitement building...what could it be? What "would" it be by the time it got to me? Rarely did the exact secret the teacher told ever make it to the last person correctly. It evolved, grew or got smaller, less wordy or more wordy, or sometimes it changed completely. What happens though in every day life when we make up our own "truth"? Sometimes in life we get knocked down...the wind taken right away as if we can't possibly draw another breath...but what makes us unique and resilient is that we have the ability to learn from mistakes...whether they're our own or others. We can pick ourselves and the pieces up and move on. But, to do so without regret, isn't it only fair to get both sides of the story? How is it possible to forgive only one side? Doesn't that just make you a hypocrite? And so I say this...in the immortal words of Paul Harvey...(sort of)...you should get "the rest of the story". To be a good-hearted person, true to faith, and capable of love...you have to be able to forgive or the chip will only get bigger, heavier...driving everyone away. How do you "let things go"? Do you prefer to get things off your chest, talk it out, forgive and move on, or do you stew about things? In thinking about what it means to forgive...I came across this from the Mayo Clinic...

What is forgiveness? Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

And so, think about your actions, make sure you're putting your best foot forward, and remember that moving away from your role as a victim is essential...because there is rarely one victim in a disagreement...in fact, sometimes there is an entire family.

image credit: weheartit
quote credit: The Mayo Clinic

Thursday's things

C. Wonder

I love everything about this store!  While I've never set foot into a brick and mortar, the online experience is "Wonder"-ful!  They have an amazing collection of, well...everything!  Classic, preppy, traditional items at a sweet price makes them top in my book...not to mention the glossy green doors...I mean...a page out of the Hermes-Burch-stunning-entryway-handbook!  I'll take one of everything please! 

Check them out for yourself...you won't be disappointed!

image credit: c.wonder

vampire teeth and fishnets not included

Something very strange is going on in this head of mine.  Somehow I've become a lady of the night...and by that I don't mean a hooker or a vampire.  However, I can't stop looking forward to the evening.  Every single day, I find myself thinking about relaxing and watching t.v. or looking at a magazine and going to bed.  Maybe it's my subconscious trying to tell me that I'm uber tired...and, well that is the case most days but that's not going change anytime soon since I have a toddler (although she's kind of a preschooler at this point)!  Maybe it's that the husband is home in the evenings and maybe I'm just lonely for some adult time or maybe I'm just one of those people who always wants something to look forward to and my nearsightedness has me shooting for the very short term...whatever the reason may be I can't stop willing the days away waiting for the sun to slip away.  Kinda funny how things go...when we were kids we couldn't wait for Christmas, or Summer, or Disney World, and now...I'm just waiting for 6pm!  Next thing you know I'll be eating the early bird special and home in time for Wheel of Fortune.  Maybe it's the gloomy weather we've had the past few days...or maybe it's just Monday! No worries, I won't be guiding any midnight cemetery tours or walking the streets...nope, I'll be curled up with new glossies, watching "my shows" and in bed after the 10:00pm news!  What do you look forward to?

image credit: sweet fairy boutique 



Thursday's things

Sunday is Mother's Day and for years I asked my own mother why they got a special day, to which she would reply that they got only one day and every day was "kid day".  Never could I understand this.  But now, as a mother myself, I fully understand the meaning of this day.  Here are some things that have helped me to understand what it's all about, and while this list is mostly filled with a wee bit of angst, I do have an equally long list of wonderful things that make me melt!  So, here we go...

• "mama, mama, mama, mama..." - screamed from top of lungs EVERY morning about 7am is terribly jolting for those sleeping.
• "why, but why, but why, but why??" - my response of "because I said so" is TOTALLY ineffective as are most answers.
• "mama, I like daddy the best" - I'm fully aware that this switches whenever convenient for her.
• "mama, I really NEED that" - she is 3, there isn't much she needs other than food, shelter, clothing, and a bath.
• public meltdowns - my excuses are endless but the "no nap" one usually is my go-to excuse for all those staring.
• "I'm taking my shoes off" - I feel as though I am putting shoes on her all day long.  She will never love shoes the way I do...which might be a good thing!
• wide awake at 3am asking..."what are we going to do today" - this doesn't happen every night but it's never predictable.
• "I want mama to do it" - no matter how much help I try to solicit I can still hear her from the next room saying this, which usually requires I intervene.
• "I'm in charge now" - fun for obvious reasons, especially in public.
• "you're mean mama" - this is also fun in public.
• "mama doesn't do that" - usually heard when by chance she lets someone do something for her other than me.
• "can I get a surprise", "did you get me a surprise", "do you have a surprise for me" - apparently we have given her too many surprises...ugh! 
• "help", "rescue me"  - these are fun quips to hear in the middle of the night, in a frantic voice, for obvious reasons.

Of course there are many, many more things that make up the not so glamorous part of motherhood and what makes Mother's Day the very deserving day it is.  And then, out of the blue the toddler will ask, from the next room over, if I can feel the kisses she blows to me, or she will tell me I'm her best friend and make me forget all those other things altogether.  It's a give and take, I suppose, and well...I plan on taking a nap someday...maybe Mother's Day!

image credit: Walter Chappell  1962