The Beauty Mommy

Cool Girly Styles for Spring from Garnet Hill!

2012-02-23T20:15:00.002-05:00

Sorry that my kid's shopping blog is one day late! I've decided that a MAC computer isn't for me, and I'm in the process of switching everything back! Sigh.
Fortunately, I had the latest Garnet Hill catalog to cheer me up. In it I found so much colorful inspiration for spring that I decided to devote a full blog to it! Here, my favorite warm weather finds from Garnet Hill:

1. Striped and Solid Separates from Morgan & Milo, $36 and up: Crisp, preppy separates in always-comfy knit fabrics, these versatile pieces have style to spare. And who can resist the matching striped espadrilles! Also love that anchor shirt and the striped shorts. Cute!

2. Pink Chicken Smocked Dress, $58: A twist on the traditional smocked dress, this one has a fresh look in updated prints and clean lines. Love. Too bad the largest size is 4T. : (

3. Garden Maxi Dress by Kanya Rose, $88: Sweet and springy, this is a great choice for a special occasion.

4. Hopscotch Party Dresses, $88: The prettiest party dresses, ever!

5. Hopscotch party dresses, $118: Or maybe these are....!

6. Easter outfits from Elephantito, $58-68: So classic and so adorable - these are perfect for Easter and all spring long.

7. Jack Rogers sandals, $68: The classic preppy sandal, sized for little ones. I love that my girls and I can wear matching shoes without looking silly! Well, I might still look silly, but I don't care. Love them!

Things Moms Know (And Dads Don't)

2012-02-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

I adore my husband, and I am blessed that he is a very hands-on dad. But that doesn't mean we see eye to eye on everything. And its come up in conversation with other moms that I am not the only one. Not that we're complaining or anything. Just saying....
Here are just a few of the things moms do better than dads (or, to be a tad more specific - things I do better than my husband
1. Hair: I never thought that I was all that good at hair. Growing up with a ton of curly hair doesn't give you many opportunities to practice. But when I was blessed with two lovely, fine haired little girls, I learned, and quickly. I'm not saying that Lola doesn't go to school half the time with her longish bob unadorned, by (her) choice, or that Eva's fine-yet-fluffy mane doesn't often look slightly disheveled. But they generally leave the house looking lovely, when I do their hair. Now Kevin is great for special-occasion hairstyles (he once braided Lola's hair to match her American Girl doll's - seriously), when he has all the time in the world, and a willing accomplice, but when it comes to everyday hairstyles, I have him beat! Note to my sweet husband: Seven unrelated hair accessories do not a style make.

2. Clothes: There are many mornings when I've left my sweet husband, curled up on the couch with my two sweet girls, all still cozy in PJs, only to return to a vastly different scene. No, I am not talking about the elaborate fort that Kevin constructs in the living room every time I leave the house - the one that I have to step over and live with for days. I'm talking about the clothes. Kevin seems to think it's okay to let the girls pick their own clothes, which wouldn't be so bad if they were picking an entire outfit, rather than grabbing disparate pieces and assembling them into a hodgepodge of an outfit that should never leave the house. Add to that the fact that the girls, in their, ahem, creative attire and their hair, you know, done, have paraded their stylish selves around town and even as far as Orlando, ruining my by-now floundering reputation as a fashionable person. Sigh.

3. Food: On the days the girls aren't parading around town in funky attire, they can often be found at home, hanging on the couch while watching hours of TV and eating Sun Chips while daddy surfs on the computer. Well past lunch. Which they are no longer hungry for.

So, yes, I have a husband who will sit home with the girls, build them elaborate forts, get them dressed and do their hair, and cuddle with them while they watch TV. Which makes me pretty much the luckiest girl in the world.

Spring Style: Five Must Haves from Boden

2012-02-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

I wasn't born yesterday. I've been on my share of photoshoots in my life, and I know they are not as effortless and fun as the Boden catalog makes them seen. But I can't help it - every time I peruse one of their clever catalogs I want to be one of those models - strolling the charming streets of some unknown European city, or walking my stylish, well-behaved child to school. They have the whole lifestyle thing down, and one thing is clear: their main collection is not targeting teenagers. These are clothes for a woman who knows what she likes - and is not chasing every trend. The kind of style and ease that we all aspire to.
So here, my top 5 picks from Boden's spring offerings. See if you agree!

1. The Mariner Jumper, $98: Classic, chic, and cozy in merino wool.

2. Skinny jeans, $98: An easy way to wear the season's hot color trend: a vivid pair of skinnies grounded by basics you already own.

3. Beaded color block dress, $148: Pretty beading and sweet details give this versatile dress a vintage flair.

4. Must-have bag, $138: I'm a bag snob, as a rule, but this sporty bag is so chic and so affordable it's totally won me over. But which color...?

5. Sequin trim pumps, $118: You'll wear these everywhere this summer - and you can dress them up or down.

Mud Room Shoe Storage

2012-02-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

As I write this, I realize that I am not being completely honest. The truth is - I don't have a mudroom. I have a tiny back entry room (the size of a closet) with a couple of closet doors off of it, that leads into the game room. The game room holds something my husband adores (a pool table) and something I adore (a huge side by size stainless freezer and matching refrigerator). It also holds a wooden rack of about 40-odd pairs of little girls shoes of every description, from Primigi mary janes to sparkly ballet slippers to rain boots to Lelli Kelly's. There is a also a big basket under the pool table where I keep 20 or so pairs of my own casual shoes, from ballet slippers to wedges to sandals. Shoe-obsession issues aside, my biggest problem in that area is to how to keep the shoes looking neat while keeping them accessible. I need gorgeous, practical shoe storage. So I am considering these options? Any thoughts?

1. Sarah Shoe Storage Tower, $599, Ballard: If I were single, or if my husband's protests could somehow be silenced (hmmmm?) I would go for something like this. Several of these lined up against a wall in a cool apartment would be all the adornment I would need. Sigh.

2. Hanging shoe storage bags, $24, Hautelook: Hautelook has a great closet/storage sale right now, and I found these cute animal-print hanging shoe bags, but we'd have to make room in a closet for them, and I don't think the girls would be able to reach the top ones anyway.

3. Shoe Storage Bench, $129.95: One of these would be great, if it held about five times as many shoes. Love that the shoes would be out of sight, though!

4. Lilly Pulitzer "Rousseau" ottoman, $999, Horchow: Glamorous, and completely discreet, but it only holds about 16 pairs of shoes - fewer if they are high.

5. Custom Shoe Cabinet: A custom option might be on the only solution. That way I can get it in the finish, style, and specifications I want. This company seems like a good first place to start.

Right now I am thinking the best option would be to go to an antique store/market, find a vintage piece, and have my husband build out the inside so that it would hold all the shoes I want. Wonder why I didn't think of it sooner!

Five Things My House Needs Right Now @Fab

2012-02-18T20:23:00.000-05:00

Need might be too strong a word, but just barely. These days, I'me feeling some major love-at-first-sight for Fab, the hip, cheeky flash sale site dedicated to stylish things for your maison! Fab, je t'aime! And you will too, especially with this exclusive-ish offer: enter in my handy-dandy code, and you get a $10 credit if you join the site in the next 24 hours. Use that $10 towards any of these FAB-ulous finds!

1. Conversation pillow, $52: This cool couch accent might entice you into spilling some secrets!

2. Studio Oh! Recipe Boxes with Cards, $7: I cannot think of a single person I couldn't give these to. Gorgeous and inspiring! I think I like the "French Cookies" set the best. : ) And these gift tags are perfect for my next casserole exchange. :)

3. Caboche Suspension Lamp, $1914: A little sparkle for your ceiling - so glamorous!

4. Queen of Love Chair, $738: Who doesn't need a Louis XV-style chair in pink plastic? I mean, really? Who doesn't? Irresistible! (P.S. Other colors/styles available for the pink-phobic - you know who you are!)

5. Limited Edition Print, $49: Love this colorful, retro print - affordable art!

Shopping for a Great Cause

2012-02-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

Next week I plan to launch my weekly (or possibly biweekly) blog featuring a stylish mama (like you??), which will run on Fridays, but this week, I wanted to share something I discovered thanks to @Kristi_Walters, author of Saving SuperMom, a devotional book that just might inspire me to relaunch my much-missed mom's Bible study. Kristi told me that her friends, Carrie & Scott Mullins, recently launched a company, Ninety-Ten, that combines two of my very favorite things: buying shoes and giving back. Now, there are plenty of companies out there that are promising to use your money for good these days, but the Mullins' are taking this concept to the next level: a full 90% of the proceeds from each purchase of these gorgeous shoes goes to communities in need through partnerships with a variety of organizations. Genius! This isn't just lip service - your shoe budget can actually do so much more than keep you strutting in style! Here, a couple of my top picks from the site:

1. Petrisha in Green, $225: My girls are bound to love these almost as much as I do - fun and fabulous. Pair them with dark jeans and one of the season's sweet eyelet tops.

2. Palmi in Canary, $99: The neutral of the moment, leopard, in a chic and comfy flat.

3. Grotto in Pale Rose, $135: Nothing says summer like a classic espadrille, and this one has me dreaming of lazy days ahead. The pale rose acts as an unexpected neutral. Love.

4. Royal Marriage in Orange, $145: These are exactly the kind of shoes you don't know you need - until you buy them, and realize that they somehow manage to work with everything in your closet.

5. Nicole in Brown Sugar, $99: For the classicist, a stylish, subtle pair you will wear forever.

A Green Garden from A Black Thumb

2012-02-16T21:47:00.000-05:00

What is the expression for someone who can't make a weed grow? Brown thumb, black thumb? That's me. But then, being the outdoorsy type that I am (ha!) I've never really made too much of an effort. But that is about to change. Right now, we are enjoying a weekend in South Florida with my amazing in-laws, but when we return, I want to start planning a fruit and vegetable garden to take advantage of our exceptionally mild end of winter/beginning of spring. I am thinking container gardening is the way to go. A couple of years ago, I halfheartedly attempted to plant a few veggies in a plant bed near our kitchen door, with my then 2 and 4 year olds, and I "lost" them. I had no idea where they were planted, and I could never find them again. And then we went to Paris. : )

So this year, I am determined to make it work. I plan on visiting two local organic gardening stores (yes, we have two in our small town - amazing!): Access to Organics and Urban Sunshine, to investigate the different options. Planter box or mini greenhouse? Pots or window boxes? The options are dizzying, so I am hoping that some professional advice will steer me in the right direction. Here are a couple of the items I am considering:

1. Earthbox Organic in Terra Cotta, about $60: This eco-friendly kit offers everything needed to get started, except the seeds.

2. Wood Raised Planter Box, $299: The fact that it's raised makes it more comfortable to care for, and also means that I am less likely to forget about it. : ) But it is big and cumbersome and can't be moved around easily to take advantage of the light or whatever. (Not sure how to do that anyway, but it sounds like the kind of thing you should do to plants.)

3. Hydroponic Garden Set, $250: I've always been fascinated by hydroponic gardens. Well, as much as I've been fascinated by any gardens. Anyway, I'm amazed that plants can grow that way. And, being an extreme girly-girl, I like that there's no dirt. : )

4. Pretty Pots, about $230-300: These are the most attractive options, but I think it might be a lot of work to have a collection of pots out there like that. Lots to keep track of... But they'd look so pretty on the patio. I have a few neglected pots out there already, but I think I'd like to add these gorgeous wrought iron planters, from Horchow, to my collection.

5. Hanging Planter, $30: I've also loved these hanging baskets lined with moss. So pretty!

Spring 2012 Fashion Report: Best Spring Clothes for Girls

2012-02-15T20:23:00.002-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside. Okay, not anymore, but it was a little cool yesterday. And freezing Monday. Now, the temperature here in sunny Florida seems to be back to its normal, balmy self, and all is right with the world. Which, of course, has made me think about shopping. (Actually, there aren't many things that I can think of that don't make me think about shopping). So here are the items I am eyeing for spring for my two little girly-girls. : )

1. Broderie Party Dress, $118, Boden: This little cream puff of a dress is too sweet to save for weddings and special occasions. It's timeless and just lovely!

2. Rolling Ruffle Dress, $58, Crewcuts: Crewcuts is the master of the casual ruffled dress, and this one is a sure thing. Sweet ruffles and gorgeous colors combine with the company's signature ease.

3. Floral Print Dress, $66, and Striped Leggings, $24: CWDKids is always a reliable source for pint-sized style, and this spring-y floral dress from Little Joule is no exception. Love the print and the sash, and the coordinating striped leggings make it a bit sporty.

4. Playful Pom Pom Dress Set, $68: Playclothes at their prettiest, this set features a brightly colored knit dress with pom poms at the hem, and coordinating leggings in stripes or dots. Fun!

5. Persnickety Clothing Heirloom White Henrietta Dress, $86: SO pretty and so special, this dress would make a sweet choice for Easter or a spring photo shoot!

The New, Improved Beautymommy Schedule (PLUS STYLISH MOMS WANTED!)

2012-02-14T20:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I've been lame. Really lame. And really, really tired. But after an inspiring "meeting" with my friend and social media mentor Darlynn Nangano, I am brimming with ideas and motivation. I actually meant to launch the new Beautymommy blogging schedule last night, but since my husband and I were out to dinner, I didn't get around to it. So, to keep the momentum going, here's my plan!

Sunday: Lifestyle: A broad topic that covers anything from cooking, to decorating, to organizing.

Monday: Fashion/Shopping/Beauty

Tuesday: Open

Wednesday: Kids Shopping

Thursday: Open

Friday: Mother of Style

And this is where you come in, dear loyal reader. : ))) (Sorry Dear Abby - I've always wanted to steal that!). While I have plenty of stylish candidates in mind (and yes, you know who you are) and I'm not above a little arm-twisting (my little sister can attest to my skill at this), ideally, I'd like you to be into it. I will of course reciprocate and give you all the promotion for your blog, business or website that you can handle!

So here's the casting call: Seeking Stylish Moms. If you're interested, I'd need a pic and the answers to a few simple questions about what makes you, you, style-wise. You know who you are. Don't make me come after you. Contact me here.

Arm-twisting can be really painful.

Baby Girl Gifts Under $50

2012-02-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

So, as I mentioned yesterday, while I no longer have a baby of my own, I do love shopping for them, especially baby girls. Here, a few of my go-to gifts and some fresh ones as well, and they are all under $50.

1. Lola the Rocker, $40: I love the simplicity and sweetness of blabla dolls, and I have to admit the name of this doll swayed me a bit. She's a keeper, just like my Lola.

2. Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack, about $30: I had a boring, standard white bottle rack, and this one makes me (almost) long to wash baby bottles again. It's like a cool piece of functional art. I love everything from Boon, including their cleverly designed plates, snack balls, utensils, and bath accessories.

3. Jonathan Adler for Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station, $34: Optimistic art from Jonathan Adler takes on a pretty, practical form in this portable changing set. I used my Pronto for years, and would often take it in with me (sometimes clipped to another bag) when a full diaper bag wasn't essential. A must!

4. Crane Brown Owl Humidifier, about $45: Crane elevates this humdrum essential to a decorative room accessory. Too cute!

5. Haba Flower Clutching Toy, $12.68: I am a little obsessed with the whimsical, brightly colored wooden designs of German toymaker Haba. They make the prettiest baby toys. An assortment of rattles and other small toys would make a charming gift.

6. Uncle Goose Wooden Blocks, about $35: Classic wooden blocks with a twist - they feature words and characters from the second language of your choice. I bought the Korean version for my nephew, Ethan! Too cute!

7. Personalized CDs, $19.95: A personalized gift is always memorable. My girls received these CD's from their grandparents years ago, and they are still favorites. Eva has the lullaby CD, and goes to sleep with it on every night.

8. French Bull Princess Plates, $30: French Bull makes the chic-est melamine tableware ever, for adults and kids. These princess plates are too cute, and will be useful for years to come. I also love the glitter bowls and goblets!

9. Cupcake retro bib, $18: Charming vintage prints adorn these sweet essentials, from bibs to burp cloths.

10. Dwell Studio Paper Dolls blanket, $40: I love this simple, striking print so much I can't resist it, especially on a sweet little blanket.

Shopping for a Baby Girl!

2012-01-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

Got you, didn't I? Tragically, the baby in the subject is not mine. : (( My "baby" just turned 4 and had her belated Well Child visit today, where she (thank you, God!) got high points from the doctor for her dimples, her good manners (LOL), and of course, her health. Not to brag, but you know... : ) So, as much as I love baby girls, I've had to find other outlets, and fortunately my friends have been all too happy to oblige. ;) I have two gorgeous local friends (Melissa and Courtney) who are expecting girls in the next few months, and one long-distance one, a classmate of my sister. And of course there's always the chance that my brother and his wife will have a baby girl next. So, with all of those babies on the horizon, I get to do what I do best: shop, and dream about shopping. Even though my girls are still young, there have been exactly 3 1/2 zillion adorable new baby products launched since I last registered. But don't worry - this won't be an exhaustive list. I've narrowed it down to only the most stylish, most ingenious, and most gorgeous. Hope it makes your next few baby showers easier! (Note: These are the big ticket items. Tomorrow, I will have some great gifts under $50).

Baby Girl Gear!

1. Mamaroo Bouncer, $240: Yes it's pricey, but it's so gorgeous you won't mind looking at it a lot. Which is a good thing, since, with all its bells and whistles, this is one piece of baby equipment you'll be seeing a lot of!

2. Zen Stroller, $799: I adored my Bugaboo, but this one might have won me over. It's lightweight, streamlined and gorgeous!

3. Beaba Babycook, $119.95: Sigh. If I'd only had one of these when I was making baby food for my girls. This does practically everything but wash the veggies for you. It steams, purees, defrosts, etc, all while looking cute on the countertop.

4. Hoppop Bato Bath Tub, $49.99: Beautiful and functional, this tub has high insulated sides to keep the water warm and a drain to make cleanup easy.

5. Sausalito Moses Basket, $195: This stylish essential is an must for newborns, in my opinion, as it makes the perfect portable crib. I never wanted to spend a lot on a moses basket since it is only used for such a brief time, but this one converts to toy storage when your child outgrows it, which, in my opinion, completely justifies the splurge.

6. Petunia Pickle Bottom Baby Carrier, $110: Pretty prints and a user-friendly design make this is a welcome change from the usual carrier.

7. Svan High Chair, about $200: I bought this for my girls back when it first came out, and it's still my top pick. I love it's style, it's versatility, and the fact that it is easy to clean!

8. Basq Fully Loaded Diaper Bag, about $100: A diaper bag is a highly subjective, personal purchase, so it's best to check with the recipient before taking the plunge. For example, one of my faves, the Mia Bossi, didn't do the trick for a good friend of mine. If you're willing to take a risk, the sleek styling and luxurious products make this a great gift for any mom. Of course, if you really want to splurge, you can always get the tres chic Burberry version. Sigh. Maybe it's not too late to have another baby...

Ann Voskamp Guide to Joyful Parenting

2012-01-30T22:17:00.001-05:00

For the last two weeks I have been so buried that I have literally struggled to find time every day to open my computer, much less blog. But tonight, I put it all aside for one night to watch Courageous, a movie I have been wanting to see for a long time. It really brought home to me that, except for faith and family, the rest of what we spend our time on is really just a distraction. Everything else is just noise. And it made me want to want to sneak into the rooms of my sleeping girls to check on them one last time. So, for those of us (like me) who need regular reminders of what is really important in life, this simple, brilliant declaration on parenting from Ann Voskamp, via my sister Nelly, one of the best moms I've ever known.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/10-points-of-joyful-parenting-printable/

Five Classics to Buy Now

2012-01-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

1. Luca Luca “Vivian” wrap jersey dress, $287.50: This stylish, luxe wrap dress will become the hardest working item in your closet. Wear it with pumps and a simple strand of pearls to work, and then add a metallic belt and an armload of bangles for dinner afterwards. And while it’s not exactly inexpensive, the price is a mere fraction of its previous $1k price tag.

2. Juicy Couture Rosa Velvet Heel, $114.99: This supremely-stylish heel is half price, and with it’s sleek, simple shape, luxe fabrics, and classic style, it will add oomph to everything from jeans to cocktail dresses.

3. Kate Spade Knightsbridge Jasper bag, $212: This bag will make you look like you have it all together, even if you don’t. It’s a chic, minimalist take on a dated briefcase, this easily transitions from work to travel. And the price is half off the original.

4. BCBG “Carly” pant, $29.60: A fashion-friendly version of the stylish khaki, these pants are infinitely versatile and wearable, and they’re about 20% of the original cost!

5. Neiman Marcus Cashmere Waterfall Cardigan in Red, $169 plus another 60% off: There’s plenty of sweater weather left, and this chic cardigan will add punch to a wardrobe of neutrals. Plus, it’s plush cashmere and Neiman Marcus quality at an additional 60% off.

The Top 5 Sample Sale Sites for Kids

2012-01-17T21:39:00.000-05:00

There’s a lot of buzz about sample sale sites, and with good reason. Not yet a convert? Here’s the scoop: these sites offer limited-time-only sales on top labels, often at rock-bottom prices. The catch? They're only open to members, so you have to sign up, and you must be willing to act quickly (items often stay in your cart for as little as 15 minutes). If you’re not yet convinced, check out these tempting deals.

The MiniSocial: This chic site offers an ever-changing array of fashions, toys, and gear from the best names in the business. I love the Everyday Essentials section, which offers everything from nursery decor to glass baby bottles - perfect for gift-giving!
Zulily.com: This site offers items for home, for kids, and for mom, making it a great one-stop shopping hub for the stylish family. Plus, you only pay shipping once for everything you buy over the course of a day.
Hautelook.com: Hautelook is a general sample sale shopping site offering everything from clothing for mom and dad to home decor to vacation packages. It’s offerings for little ones have expanded dramatically in recent months, and the selection is always unfailingly stylish.
Ideeli.com: Like Hautelook, this is another general sample sale site that has expanded its children’s offerings. This site is one of my personal faves - I always seem to land a great deal here, particularly when they are having one of their legendary seasonal Ideeli RED sales.
Gilt.com: If the name didn’t give it away, this is possibly the highest-end site of the bunch, and again, it offers everything, from food to travel, clothes to home decor. Current sales in their kids section reveal everything from nursery essentials to toys, shoes to rugs to clothes.

A Shopping Break: Top 5 Style Steals

2012-01-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

And now, I interrupt my regularly scheduled blogs to write about, what else, shopping. I've been finding so many insane deals online that I just had to share, and, as always with a great deal, there's no time to waste. So without further delay, the top 5 style steals online, right now.

1. Glitterati Ballet Flat, $89.99, J. Crew: A much-loved classic gets a sparkly update.

2. Hooded faux fur trim poncho cape, $99.99 and an extra 40% off, Ann Taylor Loft: This chic topper is very dramatic yet totally wearable. No coupon code required for an extra 40% off all sale items.

3. Cara Cara Peasant Dress, $98, anthropologie.com: This easy printed dress is very of the moment, and the price makes it a must-have.

4. Signature Merino Cardigan, $49, Garnet Hill: All the versatility of a cardigan in an array of gorgeous prints, this will become your go-to piece this season.

5. Ella Moss Dress in Castaway Stripe, $103.80: Ella Moss is known for her breezy California style, and this dress will become an everyday favorite.

Resolutions 3-5: Catching Up

2012-01-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is the thing: I've realized it's only the 5th day of the year, and I am still struggling with these resolutions. The last couple of days have been CRAZY. Last night I showed up at a board meeting slightly late, breathless, rambling on about technical difficulties and it's just been one of those weeks as I hurl myself headfirst into the new year.

So resolution #3 is one I think many of us can relate to: Stay on top of clutter in my home, particularly paper clutter. I struggle with this every single day, but there are a few systems that I've put in place that seem to be working.
1. Corral Kids Stuff: I keep two art boxes by the back door, and as soon as I can after the girls get home from school, I take their artwork and papers out of their backpacks, date them on the back, and toss them into their respective boxes. Eventually, I will sift through them, keep the best, and turn the whole batch into a coffee-table worthy book, but that is for another lifetime.

2. Sort Mail Before It Gets in the Door: Other people's idea of junk mail is my idea of heaven. I adore catalogs, but alas (deep sigh) I have very little time to enjoy them these days. So before I step in the back door, I toss any unwanted catalogs straight into the recycle bin in the garage. I try to be as ruthless as possible. Am I really in the market for new bedding? light fixtures? rugs? If the answer is no, I toss them. I quickly flip through the ones I want, Pin (if you haven't discovered Pinterest, see my earlier blog about this topic) the items I am interested in, and then toss those as well.

3. Find organizational systems that work for the countertop off the kitchen that I call my desk area. Still working on this one, and still haven't fully decided on my home office makeover essentials yet, but that is coming. In the meantime, I'm obsessed with browsing through seejanework.com. Sigh. Stay tuned.

Resolution #4: Exercise 3X a week and flatten my tummy. Self explanatory. Have not done it. There's always next week...

Resolution #5: Spend more time in prayer and reading my Bible. Again, self-explanatory, but I haven't done it. Or at least not as well as I could. I need my mom's Bible study back for motivation and accountability.

So there you have it... not even a week into the new year and I am floundering, but hopeful. After all, tomorrow is another day. : )

Resolution #2, and Flirting with A Healthier Diet

2012-01-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, so my second resolution of the year is to Keep a Better Journal. I have always kept a journal for my girls, and I have been an avid chronicler of every phase, quote, and milestone. But 2011 was not a great year for my journal... It was updated carelessly and sporadically, and FB saw the bulk of my interesting posts. Plus, the files for each of the girls are getting so long!! Mostly I just forgot, and when I sat down to write, I was so overwhelmed by the amount of catching up that I had to do that I did nothing. So I googled online journals (sounds scary, but it's completely safe) and found Penzu.com! Penzi is an online journal that looks and acts like actual paper, but with lots of cool features, like the ability to add pictures to your journal and email reminders to write (an option, but one that appealed to me). So far, I love it! Of course, it's only January 2... : ) If I update to Penzu pro, it will give the option of emailing in my journal entries as well as other features. This is a great, easy, stress-free way to start a journal if you have never kept one, and as a lifelong journaler, I can go on and on about their benefits. But mostly I keep them because I am a sentimental sap! I love being able to look back and remember everything that was said and everything that happened, even if some of it makes me cringe. So, for those of you who haven't journaled regularly before, some tips to get the ball rolling:
1. This is not the great American novel. You can be wordy and flowery or quick and concise - just write what you are feeling or what is happening that day.
2. The genius is in the details. The minutiae of daily life might not seem interesting now, but years from now, the fact that your darling 2 year old napped from 1 to 2:30 every day will seem priceless.
3. There is no yesterday. Updating is the journal-keepers biggest enemy. Start with today, and then, if you are feeling ambitious, work backwards. I've found I rarely get around to updating.
4. Write anything. Even a quick, funny sentence uttered by a precocious 4-year-old is worth saving. You'll be glad you did! A single quote with a picture is enough to capture a moment.
5. This is for your eyes only, and possibly your child's, if you pass it on later as I plan to do. It doesn't need to be Shakespeare.

Okay, about yesterday. I may have gotten a little carried away. As I was skimming The Kind Diet, which I picked up today on a quick trip to Love's Whole Foods after a recommendation from my friend Jean (she raved about a tuna salad recipe made with tempeh...), I came across a term that describes what I am doing right now, diet-wise. I am flirting. I am not married or even engaged to the idea of barring animal products from my life, for life. I am just entertaining it for a little while, and I am definitely open to finding new and interesting dishes that don't incorporate meat. I think going vegetarian is relatively easy and straightforward; it's the vegan part that gets tricky. For example, I just realized that if you are strictly vegan, you can't eat honey. Seriously? Anyway, I am definitely happy to be making some substitutions (just discovered that I like the cultured almond milk - aka almond yogurt - that Lola chose at the store and quickly dismissed) and trying to find more ways to eat more plants. But as I skim Rose Elliot's gorgeous Classic Vegetarian cookbook, which I've had for a couple of years and have never actually used, I realize how extremely limiting eliminating dairy and eggs can be. If you say no to dairy, you say no to vegetarian staples like frittattas and quiches and many, many breads, and casseroles with melty cheese on top, and mac and cheese, and blue cheese (my fave!). Sigh. So for now, I will eat less.

Among the items in my cart today, I bought:
Nutritional Yeast (the new Parmesan?)
Organic Acorn Squash (which I will stuff with a quinoa pilaf for tomorrow's dinner)
Almond Milk (it's worth a shot - I already know I despise soy and rice milk)
Organic ramen noodles for a quick and easy lunch
Love's Veggie/Hummus Wraps (the BEST! - I've been addicted to them for years)
Frozen So Decadent Coconut Milk Fudge Bars
Organic Dates Rolled in Shredded Coconut: Don't know why, but the sum of these ingredients is so much greater than the parts. Absolutely addictive!
Braggberry Dressing and Marinade

A couple of the dishes I am looking forward to making this week and next:
Jasmine Rice Cakes with Thai Vegetable Curry
Cheesy Skillet Polenta and Eggplant Bake (Not vegan, of course)
Quick Black Bean Soup with Avocado
Something in the slow cooker to make use of the half-dozen bags of lentils (all kinds) that I found in the pantry

Happy New Year: Resolution Week!

2012-01-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!! After a tumultuous 2011, I am praying for a smooth, relatively stress-free 2012 for my family and friends! I haven't made real resolutions in year, mostly because I hate the fact that I never stick with them. But this year I decided to go for it. What's odd is that this wasn't even something I thought I would seriously consider a few weeks ago, and now it seems to be the most natural next step in the world. It's a biggie, but fortunately my health-conscious husband is on board. We are going to adopt a plant-based diet most of the time. That doesn't mean that we are completely vegan (we will still allow ourselves to indulge when we go out to eat, or as an occasional treat) but most days, and for most meals, we are going to eat an exclusively plant-based diet. The hardest part of this for me is cutting out the dairy, so I am not going to say that I will never have it - just that it will be an occasional treat. I've been inspired by the China Study, which I am now reading, and an episode of Dr. Oz about the study. Kevin and I plan to watch "Forks over Knives" this week, and I am planning a trip to the health food store to stock up on Tuesday. Kevin doesn't mind repetition, so he plans on eating steel cut oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts every morning and pasta salad with whole grain pasta at lunch. I will do pretty much the same, with some variations, time permitting. Here, a few substitutions I plan to make:
Leaving milk out of my tea, or substituting almond or coconut milk (I HATE soy milk)
Using coconut milk ice cream or frozen banana ice cream
Juicing to get more veggies and vitamins in my diet
Dramatically reduce the amount of food that I eat that comes from a box, even if it's organic/whole grain, etc.
Cook at least 3 dinners a week with no animal products

One of my main concerns with adopting this kind of lifestyle is being inflexible or severely limiting my options and enjoyment of food, but since I plan to indulge every once in a while, this shouldn't be a problem. I will still eat whatever my mom makes on Thursdays when we all have dinner at her house, enjoy a casserole exchange with my girlfriends, and indulge in cheese in Paris and an occasional steak.

I think this is a plan I can live with. Have you made any resolutions involving food or diet? I'd love to hear them!

Secrets of a Semi-Professional Shopper :)

2011-12-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

I have often toyed with the idea of being a professional personal shopper, and one of these days I am going to print up some cards and start up my own little business. After all, I already do it for many of my friends who ask, and even for some who don't. It is what I do best, or at least what i do most. LOL So, when you do as much shopping as I do, you are bound to pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

1. Shop all the time: I don't mean literally, of course. Okay, maybe I do. But what I really mean is to buy something when you see it, even if you don't need it at that moment. The best buys are the ones that come when you don't need them. I always stock up on cute toys and crafts when they are on clearance, party favors and treasure box surprises at the dollar section at Target, cocktail dresses and sweaters in the middle of summer, bathing suits and gauzy coverups in January, etc. I keep extra toys and gifts in a closet so that I never have to run out for a last minute birthday gift, and rarely - although this year was the exception - do I buy a dress with a specific party in mind. Usually, I have an unworn cocktail dress or two at the ready for the next social occasion.

2. Plan ahead, when possible: Early this fall, I knew that I had Lola's class Halloween party, Eva's class Christmas party, and Eva's class birthday party coming up, so I placed one order at Oriental Trading and had the next couple of months covered.

3. Know what to Buy an Outlet, and What to Avoid: My favorite outlets are the department store ones, like Last Call (now online - yippee!) and the Rack. They are a great source for authentic designer merchandise at deep discounts. I always hit the outlets for great deals on tees from my favorite lines, like Theory, Splendid, Michael Stars and James Perse, classic sweaters, cocktail attire, children's clothes, and timeless bags and shoes. Skip them for super-trendy items, because by the time they make it to the outlet, they are on their way out. Also be wary of some outlets, like J. Crew and Kate Spade, which feature outlet specific merchandise. I'd rather wait for the store sales than buy something that was never intended for sale at a regular store.

4. Get organized Before the Post-holiday Sales: Have a wish list in mind, and as soon as the sales go online, you should too. Knowing what you want and being able to act immediately is essential if you want to land a good deal. If you are willing to wait, the post-Christmas sales are a great way to stock up on holiday decor, toys, holiday clothes, and practically anything else you can imagine. This is a great time to buy next year's Christmas portrait outfits for the family, for example. And while you are at it, schedule those Christmas photo shoots for the summer, before the insanity of fall kicks in.

5. Shop with Friends: It may not always be possible to physically coordinate shopping outings together (although nothing is more fun than the occasional shopping spree with girlfriends!), but anytime you can think of what your friends are looking for/need, do it. Offer to pick up an extra gift for a friend whose child is attending the same birthday party as yours, grab some wipes or diapers when you are at Target or milk at the grocery store, or text a friend on the way to a store to see if you can grab something for them. And if you see something you think a friend will love, take a picture and text it to her. Another way to coordinate. Check to see if a friend is placing an order for something from a favorite catalog an order together to save on shipping or to take advantage of special offers. My sister and I do this all the time!

Happy, Hectic Holidays!

2011-12-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

I don't have a good excuse for the fact that I have (and very uncharacteristically, I might add) not blogged in a couple of weeks. All I can say is that, like everyone else I know, every single second since Thanksgiving has been consumed by a flurry of pre-Christmas and pre-Eva's birthday (yes, I have a December baby, and her birthday is tomorrow) planning. Yesterday she went with a few of her little girlfriends to see the Nutcracker. Today we went to my sister's house for an early Christmas celebration, since we all take off for colder holidays elsewhere. And tomorrow's Eva's actual birthday, which will begin with a couple of birthday traditions (some, admittedly, stolen from my sister).
Birthday Breakfast of peanut butter with a spoon, her favorite thing in the world, and the opening of a birthday morning present (Squinkies and a baby-sized Strawberry Shortcake)
Class birthday party with Wizard of Oz theme (I will be running back and forth from the party to the preschool clothing drive/fundraiser, which I am supposed to be in charge of)
Special birthday lunch out with mommy
Pick up Lola from school
Playdate in the park
Birthday dinner of mac and cheese, by special request

Fortunately, the birthday festivities yesterday went off almost without a hitch, and Eva loved her party and the thoughtful gifts from her friends.

With all of this fun, I have almost overlooked our annual St. Lucia day celebration on the 11th, to honor Kevin's Swedish heritage. Every year, the girls wear their St. Lucia candle crowns and we eat Swedish meatballs and ginger snaps, but this year, the family Christmas party took precedence. So St. Lucia will have to wait until the 13th.

Other traditions have also taken a hit this year:
Our annual Swarovski ornament was ordered late and therefore has yet to arrive
The Krinkles ornaments I buy for the Krinkles tree in Lola's room every year have not yet been selected
The Mackenzie-Child's ornaments I buy for the girls this year haven't been bought either
I haven't ordered our family photo ornament
Baby Jesus is still missing from the upstairs kids nativity set, for the second year. Should I get another baby Jesus, or do I need to replace the whole set. After all, what's a nativity set without Baby Jesus?
The Christmas cards have JUST arrived, making it the latest we've ever been
Eva cried and squirmed when I tried to put her on Santa's lap at the Yacht Club, but happily accepted the plush puppy that he offered her and tells everyone it's from Santa
Both of the girls have added last minute things to their lists that I never saw coming: a windup puppy dog with a key for Eva (spotted on Max & Ruby, I believe) and a ballet barre for Lola. Sigh.

We've also started a new tradition that I've wanted to do for years. We've adopted an elf, nicknamed Littly by Lola and Little Buddy by Eva, who has made himself comfortable in the most unlikely spots: a chandelier, a ledge above a picture, the Christmas tree. Lola is especially into him, and is fascinated by his nightly trips to the North Pole. Unfortunately, Eva is the one who actually needs more, ahem, behavior modification than Lola, and she seems blissfully unaware that the number of gifts under the tree are in danger of dwindling.

This week: 2 holiday programs, 2 class parties, and a little more shopping... Hope your week is as happy and hectic as mine!

Electronic Handheld Toys for Kids: Views and Reviews

2011-11-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

Eva, my almost 4 year old, is absolutely obsessed with anything that beeps, pings, or lights up. She is the only one of the girls who has played with all of their various electronic games, from the Leapster to the little Barbie laptop to the IPOD to the IPAD. She loves to play with my phone and on the Netbook and can work a touch screen like an IT guy. So, my question is: Do we need another electronic device? I think my answer might be yes, because some of the toys out there seem to have some amazing features and are cute to boot. But I can't make up my mind which of the current crop of hot, trendy handhelds is the best, so I decided to do some informal research and check out the reviews and other info online. Here's the scoop from Amazon.

MobiGo Touch Learning System, about $50, additional game cartridges about $15 each:
Pros: Touchscreen and keyboard, sounds fun and easy to use
Cons: Downloaded games only stay on until you turn off the device

FisherPrice iXL, about $50, cartridges $15-25 each
Pros: Serves as a reader, for writing, drawing, etc. Easy to use stylus
Cons: Seems sort of limited, not as highly rated as the MobiGo

Leapfrog Leappad, about $200, $7-10 for apps
Pros: Tons of features, including downloadable apps, very sophisticated
Cons: Apparently a huge pain to set up, and if you're going to spend this much, why not just buy a regular table. Eva has no problem with the IPAD, so I don't need an IPAD substitute that isn't as good.

V-Tech InnoTab, about $70, about $20 for games, or free using V-Coins
Pros: Many people seem to prefer it to the more expensive LeapPad, and it plays movies, music, has art and reading and other games
Cons: Battery life, but not an issue with AC adaptor

Nintendo DSi XL, about $170 at BestBuy:
Pros: Pretty, portable, has a lot of avid fans
Cons: Have no idea what age group this is for? Is it appropriate for a 4 year old? Are the games too mature?

Do your kids own and love any of these electronic games? I'd love any feedback on the right device for a tech-happy preschooler!

The Week of LIving Dangerously

2011-11-13T22:09:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it's been a week since I last blogged. The last week has been nuts in a way I wouldn't have thought possible, as I try to wrap my brain around the craziness of the coming weeks. In the next month alone, I will be:
Throwing 2 birthday parties (a school one and a home one) for Eva
Hosting our annual Christmas party for 60 or so of our dearest friends : )
Hosting a board dinner at my house
Hosting a dinner swap
Throwing a class Christmas party for Eva's class
Volunteering at Lola's school
Hosting Thanksgiving
Attending 2 balls and countless other holiday functions

And I don't feel up to the task. Or, at least, my house doesn't. I am still in the throes of reorganizing my desk area (some of the items I ordered are backordered) and decided to add the playroom to the mix, since I like to clear out toys the girls have outgrown and donate them before the influx of new toys. Plus, in the past few days:
The girls got flu shots, and were extremely dramatic about the whole thing
Lola had a cold and a slight temperature, which made me keep her home from school for a day for the first time this year
I got my hair colored and it's darker than I am used to, although it's starting to grow on me
The girls got countless extremely minor injuries, including bug bites, bruises, and a scrape between Lola's toes that she thinks is life-threatening
Lola made friends with our neighbors' grandson, Grant, and they exchanged lots of hugs and possibly a kiss!!!! Still recovering from that
Kevin came down with a bad case of what we think is food poisoning, so he was out of the action all day yesterday
We did our holiday photo shoot with the amazing, funny, talented Zeida, whose sister happens to be a friend of mine, while my husband was recovering from food poisoning. He bravely smiled through a few shots before retiring to the couch
I attended two social functions alone, due to sick husband
I met some new moms at school while helping to stuff envelopes for a fundraiser
Eva had a meltdown about a new dress that she didn't want to wear, which led to a meltdown later that same day by her mama
Took the girls to a carnival, without Kevin, something I never do - but enjoyed meeting my friend Marcie and her kids there

Oh, and I got a pimple. A big one. One that makes me not want to leave the house. I know it's shocking that this could happen to someone my age. I mean, who gets pimples at 25? ;)

A Few More Desk Accessories/Gift Ideas

2011-11-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

Not redoing your desk. Don't click on the tab to Facebook just yet. Some of these items are so gorgeous, they make great hostess gifts.

1. Desk Dictionaries, $175: I might not use these, but I still want them. : )

2. Travail Accessories, about $79 each, Room Service Home: These look French flea-market-ish, which I love. And even though "travail" means work in French, no one is going to twist your arm to be productive or anything. : )

3. Provence Rose 3 Drawer Cabinet, $26, Cath Kidston: A useful style in a pretty print.

4. Filled Stationery Tin, $20, Cath Kidston: All the essentials in one adorable place.

5. 3 Mini Journals, $16, Cath Kidston: So useful and pretty - perfect for purse or desktop.

6. Kate Spade Desk Top Spiral Calendar, $38: I love everything Kate Spade, especially this very chic calendar. Too bad she doesn't make an entire desk set!

7. Treasure Tray, $48, Macbeth Collection: I'm obsessed with this entire line. Their prints are amazing, and you can order anything you want in almost any print.

8. Eco Speakers, $18, Macbeth Collection: I must own these speakers. Even though I have no idea what to do with them.

9. Large Clipboard, $22. Macbeth Collection: I've had the same chintz-covered clipboard since college. Perhaps it's time for an upgrade.

10. Anything Scissors, $39: I love this entire cool, colorful collection, which includes all the essentials, like tape dispensers and my favorite item, these scissors. Too bad I can't figure out how to post a pic. You'll just have to click on the link and see for yourself.

The Home Office: More Wow for Your Workspace

2011-11-05T20:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I lied. : ) I am not yet ready to reveal, or, more accurately, to decide, which direction I want to take my desk decor, since the options are dizzying and so much fun to browse. So here, some more fun ideas. Tomorrow, I will try to make my decision, order my desktop accessories, and post a picture of my currently chaotic workspace.

1. Red Lacquer Storage Box, $98, Gumps: A fashionable way to corral all those little odds and ends.

2. Small Lacquer Trays, $29, West Elm: Luxe lacquer at a down to earth price.

3. Lacquer Wine Rack, $39, West Elm: Sure, you could store rolled up magazines in here, but wine might be more useful. And more fun.

4. Lacquer Office Accessories, $79, West Elm: Outfit your whole desktop for only $79. Genius.

5. Brocade Desktop File, $19.99, The Container Store: I love the whole Brocade collection, which adds a sweet, feminine touch to a desk.

6. Circuit Letter Sorter, $17.99, The Container Store: For a pop of color and texture.

7. Chrome Magazine Collator, $125, Room Service Home: Great for the magazine lover. Not that I know any of those. : )

8. Cast Iron Ruled Tape Dispenser, $85, Room Service Home: Rustic, but in a good way.

9. Colored Pencils and Brass Holder, $55: More a desk ornament than a useful accessory, but so gorgeous, it doesn't really matter that I might never use the colored pencils.

10. Colorful crest files, $10, and file collator, $39, Room Service Home: Girly, happy, and super-handy!

Pre-Holiday House Projects: The Home Office

2011-11-04T20:10:00.000-04:00

I am hosting 4 major parties at our house in the next 2 months, and the house shows no signs of getting any readier. In spite of all of my efforts at organization, I just seem to keep falling farther and farther behind. The library is completely hidden under piles of toys still in their shopping bags, decorative items waiting for a home, and, ironically, empty organizational bins and boxes. The back door area is completely crammed full of assorted items from our half-done garage clean out project, awaiting Kevin's pending storage closet redo. And my desk area, which is really just a countertop off of my kitchen, is buried under piles of papers and assorted junk. The thing is - I have plenty of organizers, but I am still not organized. Sigh. So the desk, being the smallest and most manageable, is the first item on my list. I've been wanting to reaccessorize it and glam it up for a while, but as with all of these types of decisions, it takes me a while. Do I want to go with a hippie-chic eclectic feel a la Anthropologie with some floral Cath Kidston items mixed in. Or do I want to go with a sleek, chic red lacquer desk area - simple, spare, flawlessly edited. I've decided that my eclectic nature needs the freedom to mix things up a little, to combine modern with romantic, clean with colorful. Here are some of the best desk accessories I've found. Tomorrow, I will tell you what I actually chose, bought, and post a before pic. Soon, hopefully, an after pic will follow. In the meantime, I hope these inspire you to revamp your own home office!

1. Acrylic Desk Set, $180-550, horchow.com: Sure it's pricey, but just look it at. Gorgeous and so sleek!

2. Hexagon Tray, $175, Jonathan Adler: Love his "happy chic" aesthetic, and these lacquer trays are stunning.

3. Acrylic trays, $78-98, Jonathan Adler: Beautiful, but I would have to choose a pattern. Hmmmm...

4. Format storage boxes, $39.95, CB2: Sleek, see-through red and black boxes stack up to stylish storage. Also love the matching wastebasket.

5. Tree Bookends, $49.95, CB2: A cool, quirky nod to nature.

6. Format desk collection, $7.95 to $29.95: Clear acrylic goes with everything, and lets me mix up my color scheme when I get bored.

7. Cuckoo Clock, $99.95, CB2: Not exactly a desk accessory, but this retro-modern style would really perk up a workspace.

8. Jet Set Wall Calendar, $14.95, Jonathan Adler: This would really add color to an otherwise neutral space.

9. Poodle Giant Eraser, $9.95, Jonathan Adler: I. Must. Own. This. Just as soon as it's back in stock.

10. Note Cube with Pen Holder: Another artful objet from my friend Jonathan. Love him!