If you have been having trouble linking to it, here’s how.  Click on the gallery below.  This should take you to my Etsy page and from there you are free to shop til you drop!   Enjoy!

Three more paintings coming your way tonight.  Crazy? Yes.  Happy “Monday”.

"Cielo" by Art by Megan

"Blue Squares" by Art by Megan

"Reflection" by Art by Megan

Check it out and others on Etsy.  But act quickly, these paintings are flying off the shelves!

Happy weekend everyone.

M

Paintings are chugging along after a brief Valentine’s break. Here are 3 new ones! All so random, how does that happen? I just love this crazy little hobby/obsession/gig.

I love the blog-o-sphere.  Just joined up with The Food Matters Project and cannot wait to share and cook with some of the fabulous bloggers out there!

More from their website about the project:

“We hope to inspire, educate, and encourage as we cook our way through Mark Bittman’s book together. From vegans to pescetarians to those who love indulging in the semi-occasional (or frequent!) burger and fries, everyone is welcome to join!”

The entire concept was developed by other food bloggers and is based on Mark Bittman’s idea of eating less processed foods and more healthy veggies and fruits to make ourselves healthier but to also have a positive impact on the world around us.  Dirty hippies rejoice!

"Becoming Dad" by Kelly Crull

It is very intriguing to read the stories that so many women write about from a man’s perspective.  Very cool!  And he has written a book including the various perspective of young Dad’s also trying to make it all work.

Plus, this blog reaches my inner “Spainophile” and I can read it as a guilty pleasure, pretending to be in Madrid while just seated at my little MacBook.

After the fog clears, here are some sweet things to enjoy.

1. An easy Pink Beet and Quinoa Salad.  Yummy and “romantic”.  Are beets romantic?  Why yes, haha!

2.  Great sign / quote by FifiDuvie on Etsy.

courtesy of Etsy FifiDuvie Shop

3.  Design Crush Blog’s Valentines.  So cute and simple.

courtesy of Design Crush Blog

And my favorite Valentine’s day memory: 

My high school boyfriend (aka – my hubby…teehee) dropped off a giant stuffed animal at a friend’s house on 2/13…many years ago.  The friend then was instructed to put the stuffed animal in my locker before school so that I would be surprised.  Well, I was shocked to open a locker to find this surprise and a love note.  Then, later that day, there was a rose on my car.   What a sweetie, right?

I found out later that his car had broken down while trying to get to my school to leave the rose on my car and he had to walk / push his car to get there.  This people, is valentine’s day!

Love you hubby!

Enjoy!

Two images are attached for this one because the shades change pretty drastically in the light / shadows.

A little ocean inspiration…thanks pinterest for keeping me interested.

“Daffodil” is springy and beautiful and makes me want to run through a field of wild flowers!

Enjoy.

Azua, Dominican Republic (photo by Art by Megan)

Today, I stumbled upon a great treasury list, (called “Beachy-Keen”) featuring MY ART!  Thank you Sophie.

Now, quit reading my blog and GO BUY SOME (of my) ART!

DC Flamenco Festival

And, at the National Gallery, there is an exhibition of Picasso’s Drawings!  What a fun little Spanish day of adventure this could be!

Now all I can think about is sitting outside at a cafe drinking a cafecito and people watching.

Happy Monday.

M

What better way to brighten up a winter day than with a beach-inspired painting!

"Wave" by Art by Megan (12"x12")

"Dawn Beach" by Art by Megan (12"x12")

Enjoy!

M

Rifle Press Cards

Maybe I should have gotten one here.  Maybe next time we are in NYC!

That being said, Happy Friday everyone!

We survived another week…barely, yes. But thank goodness for that “cape”!

Some fun links from the crazy world out there:

1. Rifle Press Valentines.  I especially love this card)

2. Fun summary of how to take nice outdoor photos.

3. Making THESE this weekend.  Superbowl treats!  YES!

More paintings are in the works and will be posted on Monday for next week!  A Painting-a-day Section in Etsy.

Check it out on Etsy.

"Brown Dots" by Art by Megan (12" x 12")

FYI – I have a “personal blog goal” to attend Alt Summit someday.

I just love being around creative people and learning every day.  Maybe someday, a girl can dream!

M

"Red and Circles" by Art by Megan (12" x 12")

Check out more info here.

Enjoy!

M

"Blue and Bronze" by Art by Megan (12 x 18)

Painting #1 (entitled “Blue and Bronze”) to kick off 29 paintings for 29 days for 29.99!

Check my Etsy site for purchasing information!

I’ve been searching for a fun new 5K or 10k to sign up for and the search is OVER!

Check out The Color Run (in many metropolitan cities)…it looks like such a fun time.

Basically, you wear a white t-shirt that is slowly pelted with color as you meet mile markers…I can just imagine how hard it makes people laugh!  What fun.
Can’t wait to sign up!!

I was painting last night to get started, it’s going to be a busy and fun month of painting!

Check out more on my Etsy page.

Sneak preview coming tomorrow…

You are welcome to request paintings here in the comments section or buy directly on my Etsy page.

Spread the word!

This one is called – “Saturday Morning”.
No explanation needed, the light says it all!

1. Baby Fedoras…Google it. Picture that little tiny hat on a smiling little face.  Sigh.

2. “who’s your favorite?” YouTube video. It’s viral because it’s awesome!

3. Lobs: the “long bob”. Considering options for when/if I donate my goldilocks.

4. Little bird tales: a site for making Digital Stories for kids, so precious!

5. Tagxedo: a site for making fun word-clouds. My students might love these.  Heck, I might!

courtesy of tagxedo - artbymegan.com

6. Diigo: a site for digital “bookmarking” instead of saving ideas on my actual laptop or all over the place!

7. Seeing the Everyday Magazine. Absolutely amazing. Beautiful images, stories and artwork.  Take a look.

Courtesy of Seeing the Everyday Magazine

Happy weekend everyone!

M

Every morning the handsome fellow I married takes little lady to daycare and braves the gridlock and aggressive drivers without a complaint. (well, not too many!).

(As I discovered today, “drop off” of the sweetest, smiling little girl produces a large hole in one’s heart similar to what I imagine was felt when my parents dropped me off at the airport to study abroad in college for 6 months. Note: I usually do “pick up”, sooooo much easier.)

And he looks real cute pushing a stroller. See below.

So that’s all for today. Thanks sweet hubby. You are great.

where the hell is Matt

Image courtesy of designaglow.com

Here are a couple of my favorite travel photos from Spain.  Have a sunny day dreaming of a trip somewhere bright and yellow.

Pin It

Ministerio de Educación, Madrid Spain

Metro Parada de Embajadores, Madrid Spain

Pans & Company, Madrid Spain

Street Shades on Gran Vía, Madrid Spain

Yellow Building in Sevilla, Spain

Yellow Buidling in Segovia, Spain

"Crash" by Megan Elizabeth (12x12)

The details:

1.  Each week in February, I will post the next week’s paintings available on Etsy. *

2.  Tell a friend about this great way to support a “starving” (ok, I am fine, but it wouldn’t hurt to sell a couple of paintings!) artist.

3.  Buy a painting direct from my Etsy page.  Click here to view my Etsy site.
* Advance purchases can be made by contacting me in the Comments section of my site or by sending me a message here and requesting a date or painting!

A sneak preview:

In college I was able to study in Cuba for a couple of weeks and the trip to Havana Road brought back memories of dining in Havana’s popular “paladares”: restaurants literally run out of people’s homes where you dine in their kitchen on the best croquetas, ropa vieja, picadillo, and mojo that you will ever eat!

See more about Towson’s new “tesoro” here

Oh and another awesome thing about Havana Road….they have great recipes on their website for traditional Cuban dishes!
croquetas de jamón

The book is entitled “American Dervish” and profiles a young, Pakistani born boy who lives as the extreme minority in suburban Minnesota prior to 9/11.

Adding it to my “list of books to read in 2012″. Have you heard of any other new books that I should add?

NPR Fresh Air Review

NY Times Review

huffington post article

Washington's Green Grocer

It’s called Washington’s Green Grocer and they are absolutely fantastic in every way.

Top 5 reasons to love WGG:

1.  Produce arrives in a box, safe secure and perfectly fresh and protected.  (They even wrapped my portobellos in paper for me, xoxo)

2.  You PICK what you want and HAVE A CHOICE to choose what you do not want.  There are even lists for “never send” and “always send”.  We are Banana people in our house so 10 bananas per week are being sent every time we order, a la carte.

3.  NO COMMITMENT: You can order “On Demand” or sign up for every week, month or however often you would like.  I often have flashbacks to my first venture into CSA-ing when each week we recieved 20 lbs of Kale and were slightly overwhelmed and annoyed.

4.  THEY DELIVER: I kid you not, I live on the “outskirts” of DC.  (read: bumble) They deliver all over MD, DC and DE!!!  I love them.  Again, no awkward produce pick ups in weird warehouses places that are not convenient.  sigh.

5.  Their website rocks. Zeke, the brains behind the operation, is great and actually responds to emails!  CUSTOMER SERVICE! heyyy.

Try them out.  5 BIG FAT stars.

P.S. – Babies love organic produce.

P.P.S – Their logo is so cute, no?  Ok.  I need to relax about the produce.

Check out: old schooled

1. Gaelic Storm: Think, a little Irish Band in a little coffee shop / bar in Galway + Mumford and Sons with a dash of the craziness of Flogging Molly without all of the angst. Read more here. 

Gaelic Storm's Newest CD

2. Regret the Hour:  They are a young band and are VERY talented!  We know the dad of the drummer from his own band, the Sean Fleming Band, and love that his son is making music too.  Think of a mix between old-school U2, a splash of the modern vibe of Kings of Leon and a creative little dash of their own style.  Keep an eye on these guys!  Listen to some of their original songs here.

3.  More fun Irish jams to check out:

The High Kings 

Lunasa 

Listen to these songs and daydream of this:

Galway Bay

or this:

Guinness Bar overlooking Dublin

"Sightseeing"

Read more here:

“The first five stories are all told from the point of view of young boys with similar voices, and this has a comforting effect. One of the difficulties in reading a short story collection is that, just as you get used to a particular voice, it abruptly changes, and “Sightseeing” provides a nice change from typical collections for that reason. Lapcharoensap’s boy narrators are so fully realized that you want to stay with them, even when the towns, back stories and plots around them change. They are sweetly innocent and often brutal in that innocence, barely blinking at the adult tragedies unfolding around them.” (Salon.com)

I truly enjoyed the perspective of a young person and also loved reading about a place as unique as Thailand.

Also, on a more personal note – short stories are the wave of the future for busy moms!

Hope that you enjoy!

http://patritezanos.blogspot.com/

Loving this map of madrid.  Check out this artist’s work at her blog.

See more at:

They draw & cook here

They draw & travel here

They were even featured in Travel and Leisure’s blog!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-blog/carry-on/2011/7/22/editor-find-illustrated-maps

I think this means it is time to start doodling about travels and cooking!  What fun.

Check out his web services here:

http://www.bentcircle.com/

This Pinterest business is so fun!  I literally cannot stop and the number of awesome ideas, outfits, travel photos, inspirations, painting ideas, etc. to be found are limitless.

Here are a couple of my recent favorite pins:

If I can find time to paint, this is the new inspiration.  It was taken in the Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.

Japanese Gardens, Portland Oregon - Courtesy of Flikr

Looks a little like this!

"Canary Sunset" (18x24) by Megan Elizabeth

Recently, I got ahold of the recipe and cannot wait to try it out on one of these frigid January days.

Courtesy of Girly Bubble Blog

Masala Chai Recipe: (serves 2)

1 1/2 c. water
1 inch cinnamon stick
8 cardamom pods
8 whole cloves
2/3 c. milk
6 teaspoons sugar
3 teaspoons loose black tea
1 inch +/-  fresh ginger (grated or sliced) (this is her secret addition, extra spice!)

Put 1 1/2 c. of water in a saucepan. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger. Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to a low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the milk and sugar and bring to a simmer again. Throw in the tea leaves, cover and turn off the heat. After 2 minutes, strain the tea into two cups and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Stay tuned to Art by Megan for an exciting year coming up…

Here’s a new painting entitled “Hawaiian Storm” just finished today.

Decisions, decisions.

Oh, and the best part…they are $95 with lenses! I might have to get two pair.

A girl can’t possibly decide between the hipster retro black and clear frames or the tortoise ones!

Check our Warby Parker’s website here:
Warby Parker

I almost bought a cape, that’s how charming it is. This place is serious business.

Read more here:
Brooklyn Superhero Supply

And here’s the NYTimes article about their mission to make kids (and adults) feel like superheroes.
nytimes article about the “store”

The best part of this organization is that reading, seeing a tutor, and learning now have a cool guise. Super heroism!

Read more here about the good guys behind the “front”:
826 NYC

And there is one in DC! Must go visit.
The “Unnatural” Museum of History
826 DC

It’s a hidden treasure off the beaten path that is definitely worth seeing!

Reasons to love Mac’s:

1. Amazing, fresh brunch dishes. I had a Mexican Omelet full of fresh veggies and chorizo…yum!

2. Delicious and creative hot drinks and a huge selection! I had a beautiful latte with the right pinch of cocoa on top…heaven.

PS- There are crayons at every table. It was basically love at first sight!

3. Quirky, creative environment with a non-pretentious cafe vibe.
And great music.
And a lovely waitress / barrista.
And nice patrons.
And a picnic bench out front for a sunny day.

4. A penny tiled threshold. I made a wish

Their location:
305 Halsey St
(between Tompkins Ave & Throop Ave)
Bedford Stuyvesant
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Find out more on Facebook.
Mac’s Landing Cafe

Here’s why: (more detailed posts are in the works)

1. Outdoor Sunday Market on 5th Avenue with local vendors and interesting products.

2. Brooklyn Superhero Supply. This is the coolest concept for a “store” that I have ever seen. Jaw dropping-ly cool, I kid you not.

3. Brunch at Mac’s Landing. A diamond in the rough with amazing service, delicious and fresh food, awesome hot drinks and a cool, hip but not hipster-snobby atmosphere. Just good down to earth fun with a splash of quirky.

Its always important to slow down a little and just have some circle time!

@ the MET

What do you think?

http://www.paperlesspost.com/cards#/cards?q=holiday%2Bcards

Paperless Post

1. Hey Look! site:

http://heylook.fi/freebies/gifttags_greenpink.pdf

http://blog.heylook.fi/2011/11/freebies-printable-gift-tags.html

2. Martha Stewart has awesome ideas!!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/276334/holiday-gift-tags-and-labels/@center/307035/santas-workshop#/242917

Martha Stewart

off to find some cardstock

Check out the Collection here: 

http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2011/islamic-art

Find this watch!

Fossil used to carry one like it, but ALAS no longer:

Fossil Watch

Sasha Rhett carries one like it, but its a little out of my price range…

http://www.sasharhett.com/store/products.php?product=Gold-Rectangular-Watch-with-Double-Wrap-Strap-%25252d-Brown-Ostrich

Sasha Rhett

Oh perfectly double banded watch, will I ever find you?  The search goes on…

http://shop.thenewdomestic.com/

cute tote!

  2.  A piece of awesome artwork for their room / dorm / house: (check Etsy for some great deals!) 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73348695/complicated-boundary-mandala-pattern?ref=af_you_favitem

Sarah Giannobile on Etsy

3.  A trendy but useful and affordable! clutch from Scout and Catalogue: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82858148/shine-rose-gold-sparkle-clutch?ref=v1_other_1

Sparkly Clutch!

Another cute clutch!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73852734/el-corazon-bright-blue?ref=v1_other_2

4.  A fun pillow to add pizazz to any space.  Check out Classic by Nature on Etsy.  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClassicByNature?ref=ss_profile

Etsy Pillow by Classic by Nature

5.  Custom Wine Labels from Pinhole Press.  IDEA ALERT!!! Start a “Wine of the Month Club” for a friend or pick a couple of your favorite photos to celebrate some great times together as friends.  Good idea for a friend, co-worker, cool grandma, mom, dad, brother-in-law…the list goes on!

http://pinholepress.com/#/all-products/holiday-gift-guide/wine/champagne-labels-301-4-17

Pinhole Press labels for wine bottles

Check out my rose in the mason jar in our kitchen.

Happy Tuesday.

Anthropologie

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=23589864&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=072

A Fun “kid’s toy” gift – Make your own Kaleidoscope kit: (don’t judge, I love!):

Anthropologie

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=23192594&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=095

Beauty Products – Kiehl’s Products (anyone would love these gift sets!): 

Kiehl's Hydration Essentials - $23!

http://www.kiehls.com/Gifts-for-Her/gifts-for-her,default,sc.html

Simple Jewelry – Sterling Silver star necklace on Etsy:

Jenny Trihn on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68406879/tiny-sterling-silver-star-necklace-free

A Cookbook – “Home Made” or “Dinner A Love Story”:

"Dinner: A Love Story" by Jenny Rosenstrach

"Home Made" by Yvette Van Boven

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23084452&parentid=BAYNOTE

Today – stocking stuffers for the little ones!

1.  Animal cards at Land of Nod

Land of Nod

http://www.landofnod.com/baby-toys/toys-gifts/animal-art-cards/f4558

2.  Recycled Pencil Set by Poketo

Recycled Pencils at Poketo

http://poketo.com/shop/stationery?product_id=1494

3.  The Daily Doodle Book

The Daily Doodle 2012

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/taro-gomi-daily-doodle-2012-daily-calendar.html

4.  Adorable barrettes by Giddy Giddy

Giddy Giddy Barrettes

http://shop.giddygiddy.com/product/french-barrettes-1

5.  Instant Iron Ons – fun for the crafty little one!

Instant Iron-Ons

http://www.blueribbongeneralstore.net/6535/Julia+Rothman+Instant+Iron-Ons.html

6. Bilingual Flashcards at Anthropology

Bilingual Flashcards at Anthropology

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23185564&parentid=QUICKSHOP&navAction=jump

ANYTHING From this section of Anthropology!!

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?pageName=Books&popId=HOME&navAction=middle&navCount=12&pushId=HOME-KIDS&id=HOME-KIDS-BOOKS

Check them out here:

http://issuu.com/creaturecomforts/docs/giftedmagazine2011

http://mayabrenner.com/catalog/charms

Also loving the Lookmatic collection of glasses.  MUST GET EYES CHECKED!  I literally cannot see.  Its ridiculous to ignore this issue so long.  Now I have cute glasses to choose from if I ever get these baby blues checked!

http://lookmatic.com/index.php/

Apprentice Glasses

1.  Pom Pom Necklace

http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-pom-pom-necklace/

2.  Adult Friendship Bracelets

http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-woven-chain-bracelet/

Look it up – “Baekgaard Hold Everything Wallet”.

Baekgaard knows how to make a sleek, functional, cheerfully colored wallet that also doubles as a stylish clutch, if you need to be stylish but don’t have time to switch all of your belongings into another bag.

Love them!

Baekgaard Hold Everything Wallet

More links:

http://www.amazon.com/Baekgaard-Everything-Wallet-Bradley-Brights-Apple/dp/B001PI93V8

http://compare.ebay.com/like/290618366750?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Katie is the “BFF-friend” that I call on my lonnnnnnng commutes home to grill about things that the “experts” in “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” say but which, turns out, are not at all a litmus test of what is “normal”. Also, you need someone to ask all of the really awkward, paranoid questions when things are just straight up crazy with your own body or that of the new little creature that you have been tasked to care for. Also, she has two little ones who are turning out nicely, so I consider her my Mom-Cliff notes to raising happy bilingual munchkins. And she sends me hand me downs in the mail!

Helen is the work-wife / friend that is always there to listen to my woes (or silliness, usually) when it comes to my “matapasiones” (mom-uniform: the outfit that one puts on IMMEDIATELY upon returning home from work), dinner ideas (“What can I make with the following ingredients that will be edible?”), baby advice, tricks of the trade (“wait, I can feed her cereal already, thank god!”), those “is this normal” questions, and the daily paranoia / spaz attacks that come with trying to keep it all together and make it to work on time with some sort of plan for the adolescent super-stars at our job (aka “Super Mom” syndrome). Plus, she buys me chocolate.

Thank you both for every little bit of advice that you have given me in this past year. I am sending you these blog flowers

It has been an adventure that I could not have survived without you both.

M

Never grow up little one, ok?
You are just too cute for words.

Check out more here:
http://give2max.razoo.com/p/get-involvedgive to the max

See more at: http://tightsarenotpants.com/

1999 Fashion:

Cargo pants (lots of khaki!)

Baggy baggy shirts (often in plaid, yes please!)

Performance Fleece

Old Navy fleece

classic 1999

Adidas sandals (with socks…ewwww)

Dawson's creek

Life with Joey, Pacey, Dawson and friends always seemed so much simpler…

VS.

2011 Fashion:

Toms shoes

Spandex / “tights”

American Apparel, I love you

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans

Gossip Girl

Student: “Señora, can I ask a random question…(note, no pause was made for me to answer “no” and continue with my lesson)…why do you sometimes look like you are from another country?”

Me: “Haha (yes, I laugh out loud at them more often than not, don’t judge my teaching style), what do you mean?”

Student: “Well, like, somedays you look like an american and other days you wear scarves.  Are you from London or Canada or Spain or something?”

Me: “Point taken, haha no I am from Maryland”.  ”Ok chicos, back to our notes”.

However, this little philosopher (aka curious student) started to make me think about Spain and how people dress so darn well there.  Then, I googled “How to Dress in Spain” and came upon a hilarious blog written about the topic. Check it out!

http://ymuchomas.com/2011/02/02/how-to-dress-like-a-spaniard/

How to dress like a Spanish lady:

Scarf - Step 1

Step 1:  Wear a scarf.  Always.  Even when it is 89 degrees out and you are fanning yourself on the bus.  Never take off scarf!  (note: always bundle up way more than appropriate and never sweat)

Spanish lady house dress - Step 2

Step 2:  Have a hilariously embarrasing house dress that you come home to put on.  My friend’s husband calls her version of this her “matapasiones” (passion-killers).

Amuuuurican tourist - Step 3

Step 3: NEVER wear flip flops, white sneakers, shorts, hoodies or t-shirts.  Unless they are trendy and cool, of course!

Baby Zara Pea Coat

Zara Baby Collection

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2011/118238/535532/KNITTED%2BPINAFORE%2BDRESS%2BWITH%2BTAB

Baby Zara pink bonnet

Today I decided to round up a couple of my favorites as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month at our school.

1.  Pink Ribbon Cookies

courtesy of Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83239539/reserved-for-rosiered723

2.  A sweet handmade card

courtesy of Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80607517/handmade-breast-cancer-pink-ribbon-card?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=breast+cancer+pink+ribbon+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fpaper_goods

3.  Pink Ribbon Buttons

courtesy of Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71980912/pink-ribbons-set-of-25-assorted-pink?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=pink+ribbon&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

What a cute way to teach little ones about different foods around the world?  It would be great to read the book together and then have a fun “themed” dinner as a family!

Hola Jalapeño by Amy Wilson Sanger

First Book of Sushi by Amy Wilson Sanger

http://52×52.org/

And here’s a painting to stare at!

Eat some chocolate, it’s the weekend!!
A personal fave – valor chocolate from Spain….with churros!
Enjoy the weekend.
M

Gran Via, Madrid

One of the more dramatic colors in Spain is blue.  The sky seems to be the most intense shade of cerulean, cobalt blue that you can imagine.  The lapis lazuli colored tiles of the Moroccan influenced architecture are everywhere.

The intensity of such a bright blue against the red, orange and browns of an old Spanish city in Madrid are truly breathtaking.

Today, as I write this post, I am officially “Spain Sick”.

Enjoy!

Museo Sorrolla, Madrid

Sol, Madrid

El Rastro, Madrid

near Mercado San Miguel, Madrid

check out their site at: http://www.house8810.com/Browse.aspx?Category=mi_3|little_ones

Here are a couple of favorites:

"How to Behave and Why" by Monro Leaf

Friendship Bracelet Kit

Dinner Time Masterpieces Kit

Food Face Plate

Here are today’s favorites in VERDE:

Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva

http://news.yahoo.com/rich-spanish-duchess-weds-third-time-age-85-124341285.html

courtesy of Flytrap

Anyone who knows me knows about my strange obsessions with all things scarf-y.  I just love them.  It’s like wearing a hooded sweatshirt all day, but instead of looking “lumpy”, you look fabulous, fashionable and artsy.

Check out some new ones I have discovered:

http://www.flytrapstudios.com/category/scarves

courtesy of Flytrap

Read the article here: 

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2011/10/03/111003sh_shouts_kaling?currentPage=1?currentPage=all

Favorite quotes from her article:

1. “A female who is not one hundred per cent perfect-looking in every way? You might as well film a dead squid decaying on a beach somewhere for two hours.”

2.  The Forty-two-Year-Old Mother of the Thirty-Year-Old Male Lead

“If you think about the backstory of a typical mother character in a romantic comedy, you realize this: when “Mom” was an adolescent, the very week she started to menstruate she was impregnated with a baby who would grow up to be the movie’s likable brown-haired leading man. I am fascinated by Mom’s sordid early life. I would rather see this movie than the one I bought a ticket for.”

3.  ”And this actress, this poor skinny actress who obviously lost weight to play the likable lead character, has to say things like “Shut up, you guys! I love cheesecake! If I want to eat an entire cheesecake, I will!” If you look closely, you can see this woman’s ribs through the dress she’s wearing—that’s how skinny she is, this cheesecake-loving cow.”

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2011/10/03/111003sh_shouts_kaling#ixzz1ZRxA8JJ7

Thank you

one favorite memory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nuTj7nf4uUc

Solution: Blog it!

Here is the 2011-2012 reading list that I have come up with (note: I currently read at a “mom” level, aka much slower!):

Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language By Deborah Fallows

Dreaming in Hindi by Katherine Russell Rich

In the Kitchen By Monica Ali

The Borrower By Rebecca Makkai

Thoughts Without Cigarettes By Oscar Hijuelos

Tolstoy and the Purple Chair By Nina Sankovitch

What others should I add?

M

My new favorite arrived in the mail last week and i LOVE IT!  Thank you (again), Lands End Canvas.  You rock.

http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/VneckPocketCardigan~216034_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::DX2&CM_MERCH=IDX_Sale-_-Women-_-Tops-_-Sweaters&origin=index

Cobalt V Neck Pocket Cardigan pictured below.  No, that’s not me wearing it….but it looks that great on me!

V Neck Pocket Cardigan

Pictured:

“The Lacuna” by Barbara Kingsolver (currently not being read!)

“Goodnight Moon” & ”The Snowy Day” (constantly being read!!)

1 old journal from my time in Spain studying

2 old handkerchiefs of my grandmother’s

1 black and white (my favorite wedding picture!) of my hubby and I smooching while the guest lit sparklers all around us!

1 ikea lamp in “stainless steel” finish

my night stand

Here are two pictures that make me love Maryland even more!

Clam Bake at the Chesapeake Bay

Annapolis, MD at Sunset

http://viavillas.com/

A girl can dream, right?!

Three of my favorite images….seriously, italy!?  Wow!

Positano, Italy - courtesy of Via Villas

courtesy of Via Villas

courtesy of Via Villas online

I am dying at my desk.  MUST BAKE BROWNIES or COOKIES.  yum yum yum.

courtesy of Bake or Break

Read more at the  9/11 Memorial Site here: http://www.911memorial.org/talking-your-children-about-911

911memorial.org

Amazing.  Happy Friday indeed!

Check it out below:

Free Tall Coffee!

From their website:

It’s not an apple to welcome teachers back to school, but a cup of coffee.  In recognition of teachers, Starbucks is offering school teachers, grades K-12 a complimentary tall cup of brewed coffee on Mondays during the month of September.  Bring in your teacher identification to any Starbucks.  We appreciate the many ideas you’ve shared on MSI to recognize the wonderful work of teachers.

Here’s a little travel daydream to keep the memory of the sun alive while we endure the “rainy season” in DC. (??)

Frankie the Beagle in Southern, MD

Palacio Real - Madrid, Spain

And they have ideas today for 10 easy dinners that are healthy and super easy when the evenings get crazy.

Check them out here: Dinner A Love Story

Tonight I might just have to try one out.  Breakfast burritos anyone?

Image courtesy of Dinner a Love story Blog

OMG OMG OMG.  Can’t blog, gotta go shop

M

Zara Bell Bottom Jeans

Zara Quilted Dress

From their site:  ”Moomah is a cafe and art space that at first glance appears to be a creative paradise for children, but upon further investigation reveals itself to be an adult’s sanctuary.”

If you ask me, it just sounds like a little Urban Paradise.

They have project ideas for younger kids and I LOVE THIS!

Visit Moomah

So, today I am sharing the Fashion Trends that men hate.  (They feel quite strongly about this, apparently!)

1.  Maxi dresses - “The whole point of a sundress is to see a little leg” (direct quote).  Apparently, there is no reason for all that extra fabric, ladies!

2. Pashmina Scarves – The horror, men don’t like them!  Well boys, tough, I am still wearing one every day.  The reaction that I received was  ”Oh, look at me, I am so cool I wear scarves.  If you are cold, wear a turtleneck”.  Honestly, who wears turtlenecks!

3.  Dresses without a shape.  I can kind of understand this idea, men like curves and don’t always want to see a boxy dress over a lovely body.  Ok, point for the men, I concede.

Trends they love:

Jeans with a white t-shirt (wow, so simple!)

Things not pictured: Leggings (haha, so obvious), Short skirts (really?, we had no idea!) and tight dresses (original, thanks guys).

Hope you enjoyed a little enlightenment from the other gender!

M

stay tuned for a funny lil Blog to brighten your day!

M

On Polyvore I found this great, Frida-esque inspired pin:

Frida Fashion on Polyvore