Red Velvet and Leopard

halloween 2013

2013-11-01T23:45:00.001-04:00

Hope you had a Happy Halloween! We sure did. My costume this year didn't quite pan out; I wore my third choice (there's always next year). Last minute running around didn't prove to be fruitful, but seeing the smile on Noah's face yesterday in his little train engineer getup reminded me why we do all of this in the first place. It's all for him and to hell with everything else. :)

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'twas the night before halloween

2013-10-30T22:25:00.003-04:00

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halloween at our house

2013-10-29T18:59:00.004-04:00

diy glitter pumpkin vampire couple and zombie baby diy spider candlesticks inspiration by The Alison Show simple way to decorate baby's room: halloween books! happy halloween banner
Here's a little glimpse into our home. We are gearing up for the spook-iest night of the year around here and I'm already mentally planning next year's decor. I secretly wish I had a house to decorate the steps with pumpkins, hang a crashing witch into my front door, turn the front porch into a bat cave with hanging bats, and maybe throw a glow-in-the-dark witch and her cats on the front lawn. How did you decorate for Halloween?

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weekend recap

2013-10-28T22:11:00.005-04:00

golden leaves at my nephew's football game this past weekend i could seriously stare at this face all day. here he is imitating the running plays. future peewee football player in the making. painting vases for my friend's baby shower this weekend

Happy Halloween Week! .

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love list

2013-10-25T15:11:00.000-04:00

one: Pumpkin Pie Soda // if you are a pumpkin fan, then you will love this soda. two: Ribbed Leggings // these pj pants are so soft and comfy, two things i want in my sleepwear. three: Pumpkin Cupcake Candle // this might be one of my favorite pumpkin scents. it is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet, with a hint of buttercream and very season appropriate. want to get your own? bath and body works is having a 2 for $22 3-wick candle special, no code needed, for a limited time only. i'm also thinking of picking up the wallflower. four: how adorable are these witch hat sugar cookies? perfect for your halloween party! five: as much as the media loves to hate on gwinny (my name for her), they can't deny that this book is wildly popular. my favorite recipe so far is the sweet potato and five spice muffins. but don't take my word for it, go check it out yourself. six: of course my favorite halloween movie would make it on my love list. by the by, hocus pocus is playing on ABC Family tomorrow and Sunday night! if you haven't already seen it, make sure to catch it.

HAVE A BOO-TACULAR WEEKEND

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weekend in pictures

2013-10-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

A short summary of our weekend:
*1 baptism, and 2 parties all in one day *lots of outside and indoor play time for noah *golden leaves turned into a garland *kickoff weekend to ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween *sunday = pajama day all day *nonstop eating *finally got to wear an old zara faux leather skirt and the blue suede shoes i've been hoarding since before i got pregnant *noah and i got lots of compliments on our matching blue suede shoes (his are freshly picked moccs)

I'm presently battling a head cold, and I think I'm winning. 'Tis the season to get sick! Hope your weekend was fabulous.

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happy weekend + links i love

2013-10-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

+ i have been doing a 30-day plank challenge every morning, but I think I really should be doing these. talk about stepping up my game!

+ the gold iPhone. hilarious!
+ everytime i say i'm done with fall decorating, i come across more diy projects i want to tackle, like this ombre pumpkin from Anna of IHOD.
+ i can't stop thinking about the apple cider cinnamon sugar donuts from our picking trip, but since it is pumpkin season i figure i'd give these a whirl.
martha stewart and a case of the foot in the mouth.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

source: 1, 2, 3

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apple picking // pumpkin patch

2013-10-16T17:59:00.002-04:00

We spent a day at a farm in Upstate New York, north of New York City, two weekends ago. This was our first time hitting up Fishkill Farms and we loved it. We wanted a place to go where we could enjoy ourselves and avoid the city crowds and a huge bonus was that it turned out to be the ideal setting for picturesque fall foliage which I go completely gaga over. Our initial intent was to solely go apple picking, but as soon as we arrived we saw the pumpkin patch was throwing pumpkins at us so it turned into a 2-for-1. The morning started out foggy and misty, but shortly after gave way to overcast skies. The forecast didn't stop us or anyone else from going; in fact, I found it to be the ideal weather for picking because it wasn't too hot or too cold. As reviews suggested, we got there pretty early to avoid the crowds or lines. It may have been because of the weather but the farm was not overly packed with hoards of people thank God, so it seemed we went on a perfect day. The farm hosts a live band, barbecue food, and livestock on the weekends and it looked like some locals go there just for that...and the hot cider donuts! Can't say I blame them. (someone knows where the good stuff is)We purchased only 1/2 a dozen of these ahm-azing hot cider donuts, half plain and half cinnamon sugar. Such amateurs! Next time, we are just going face first into a dozen cinnamon sugar ones! These need to be eaten as soon as possible (if they are lucky enough to make it into the car) because they are made fresh right on the farm and after a few days, they start getting stale. Getting them to that point is against all that is holy. The best part about the Fishkill orchard is that the trees are low enough where you don't really need poles. We didn't see anyone really using the poles, nor any kids needing one. I'm sure when Noah gets tall enough, he'll be doing his own picking. The orchards are beautiful, clean, well-maintained and plentiful. The mountainous views are amazing, and there are no lengthy walks to get to the apples. Each apple variety has its own section and you drive up in your car, exit the vehicle where you want to pick, and return to your vehicle when you are done. And repeat. They even have a section where they harvest organic fruits. We felt like we had the place to ourselves, save for a few people, because of the rolling hills and endless rows of apple trees. It was the peaceful, quiet atmosphere we were looking for. What I loved most was how family-friendly the farm is. Noah loved running through the trees, pointing at apples, and picking up the golden leaves. I'm creating a nature-loving animal, just like me!

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{long} weekend in pictures

2013-10-15T21:37:00.001-04:00

How was everyone's long weekend? Only 16 more days until Halloween! Are you ready? The three of us have like 1/3 of our costume; so together we have a whole! Seriously, we better get our shit together. I've been so focused on decorating our place that costume planning has fallen by the wayside. Now that I'm satisfied with how our decorations look, I have some researching to do. My frye boots look as good as the day I got them! Can you tell these babies are 4 years young!? Frye boots are like fine wine, they truly get better with age and are worth every damn penny. And can I tell you how perfect they are for running after a toddler at IKEA all day!? Truly.
I love this city Sunset view of the Bay from Brooklyn My boy is such a little man...he finds climbing steps entertaining. :) Which begs the question, when exactly do we lose our innocence and become so cynical and nasty?! Buuuuut, that's a story for another day. Apple Picking=Apple Overload=Apple Crisp

By the way, please help me in wishing my little blog here a happy 2nd anniversary! Thank you loyalists for sticking with me here, reading my crazy talk day after day, and coming back for more! I'm sending each and every one of you a virtual hug. Spread the love!

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fall wish list - outerwear

2013-10-09T22:14:00.000-04:00

Leather Motorcycle Jacket \ Blanket Sweater Coat
Vince Leather Trim Car Coat \ Cotton Trench Coat

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weekend recap

2013-10-07T15:36:00.001-04:00

How was your weekend? This was one of the best weekends on record, so much so, we were sad to see it go by so quickly. *sad face* We took Noah apple and pumpkin picking up in the Hudson Valley, or north of New York City on Saturday. The day started out foggy and a little rainy, but it was actually the perfect weather for going out to the farm because it later turned cool and overcast. I'm sorry but hot, steamy days are not ideal conditions for picking in my opinion. Fall picking should be met with Fall weather, feel me? I would take days spent like this with my boys any day. Carefree days spent up in the valley watching the colorful leaves roll by outside my window, munching on apple cider donuts, picking out the juiciest apples and the biggest pumpkins, watching my baby run around absorbing new surroundings, warm my very soul. We vow to have more days like this.
My Sunday went something like this: lounge in pj pants, eat, drink, watch a little football, nap, repeat. We all should have more days like this. Perfect end to the weekend if I do say so myself. ;)

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11 reasons why i love october

2013-10-03T13:28:00.001-04:00

October. My favorite time of the year. It is at the peak of Fall awesomeness, and below are 11 more reasons why I love this month.

1. halloween...of course!

2. changing leaves

3. all things pumpkin

4. snuggling under extra blankets and sleeping with the window open. Ow!

5. crisp air

6. fall tv

7. apple and pumpkin picking

8. spiced cider and pumpkin coffee

9. Hocus Pocus. Enough said.

10. sweater weather

11. abc's 13 nights of halloween. muhahaha!

This October, we will spend countless hours in front of the television watching old and new horror movies because I live for them! We will go apple and pumpkin picking and drink hot apple cider even if it's 70 degrees out just because we can, and then paint and carve said pumpkins into the scariest faces because that's just how we roll around here. We will eat yummy Fall-inspired foods until we are tired (neverrrrr!) and by god, we'll love it. And we will wear lots of skull, skeleton, and Halloween inspired clothing until they are faded away and gray.

Happy October!

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weekend in pictures

2013-10-01T12:56:00.002-04:00

Happy October 1st people! It's officially acceptable to start decorating for Halloween! In fact, I've already started. I swear, decorating for the Holidays is 10 times more fun with a child! So, stay tuned for an obnoxious overload of photos. In the words of Pinhead, 'We have such sights to show you!' Muhahahaha!
Our weekend was very low-key. We went to a wedding, and hung locally for the first full Fall weekend. You already know that included drinking lots of pumpkin flavored coffee and lattes to celebrate National Coffee Day, playing in the newly fallen leaves, and a repeat weekend of fresh guac and turkey chili. I think we're going to make that a Fall weekend tradition! I don't hear my husband objecting. the bread is bigger than his head but that didn't stop him from chomping away doesn't he look like he's about to do something sneaky... he drinks like a pro...as all pros should! DIY gold skulls I painted and a black candle from Tarjay (a.k.a Target) - let the festivities begin!!!!

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happy fall weekend + links i love

2013-09-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

we are heading to a wedding this evening, so today I am inspired by any and every-thing wedding related. how ahm-azing is this DIY wedding backdrop?
i just love parties and this twin-dom french-themed 1st birthday party is no exception.
i love a quilted vest for fall, because you can throw them over anything and look cute. i have my eye on this one. use code onsavenow for 20% off your purchase.
i've always wanted an office. and a garment rack to put in one so how cool is it running across this diy garment rack tutorial. now all i need is the office. clearly.
i think it's safe to say that i'm a stalker. i've been stalking this coat to see if the price goes down. send good vibes my way.
truth.

HAPPY WEEKEND. XO

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pumpkin spice latte

2013-09-26T14:46:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love most about Autumn is Pumpkin Spice Latte. I love coffee, but most especially when Starbucks comes out with their seasonal drinks. Unfortunately, at $5 a pop it's not the cheapest addiction to have so I found a great recipe on Pinterest to make my own at home. And that I did, this past weekend. It was pumpkin weekend, after all. I'm not a big fan of whipped cream in my coffee drinks (weird, i know!) but if I were normal I would serve these with a dollop of cream and a dash of nutmeg on top and add a little something sweet on the side like a chocolate creme filled cookie!

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fall wish list - booties

2013-09-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

I predict that ankle booties will be the shit this fall season. From flat to mid to high heel, they look good on almost anyone. The trick in getting a pair is to not let it cut you off at the foot and make you look stumpy if you are vertically challenged. What you pair them with also makes a big difference. Skinny jeans, a dress or skirt, leggings, or shorts are all perfect accompaniments to ankle booties but finding the right style boot is essential to creating the look you are going for. I find that they look best when worn with skinny jeans tapered at the ankle so you don't get that bunched up look. Jeans cuffed at the ankle are another cute alternative but if you are vertically challenged like myself, you have to be careful that too much cuffing doesn't shorten your already short legs. In short (haha), I personally like the cuffed hems, as it adds a bit of edge to the look. And I do love me some edge boyeee. Fashion trick: wear black slim or skinny jeans with black ankle boots so there is no line of distinction. Easy peasy.

Sam Edelman Petty | DVF Ankle Boots | Joie Pinyon Flat Booties Michael Kors Calf Hair Booties| Rag & Bone Harrow | Frye Regina Boot

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pumpkin season

2013-09-23T22:04:00.003-04:00

{turkey chili}
Fall officially started yesterday, but all it takes is one quick glimpse at Pinterest to see that it's pumpkin season, people! Yahoooo! This weekend we celebrated the start of Fall with not one...not two...but THREE pumpkin recipes. No judgments.
The weather couldn't have been more perfect for some pumpkin noshing. A little rain, the slight chill in the air, and cozy layers all added to the quintessential Fall "feel." Ahhhh!
{pumpkin pancakes} {pumpkin spice latte} {brown butter pumpkin waffles} {homemade guacamole, organic blue corn chips, and beer}

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happy weekend + links i love

2013-09-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

Ever wanted to see inside Moda Operandi's offices? Now you can!
This open letter is for ALL you kitchen loiterers!
Summer's officially over this Sunday! Go make this skinny coconut daiquiri to help it go out with a bang. You know you want to.
Shopbop has a brother site, East Dane, exclusively for men. Use code EASTDANE10 for 10% off through September 30th.
I cannot wait to try this pumpkin spice latte from scratch this weekend. Ode to Fall!

HAPPY END OF SUMMER WEEKEND

source: 1, 2, 3

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sweet simplicity

2013-09-18T14:04:00.000-04:00

{wearing: hubby's cap, j.crew tippi sweater {old}, vince tank, j.crew belt {similar}, american eagle shorts {similar}, hunter rain boots}
It's been a while since I've done one of these posts, so without further ado here are some scenes I've captured in the city over the summer months. goodbye summer, it was fun! {raw bar} {west village home} {otto in the west village} {fine coffee-roasting at La Colombe Torrefaction} {bicycle in SoHo} {CMoM Night} {statue of liberty in the distance}

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weekend in pictures

2013-09-17T13:01:00.003-04:00

Happy Twisted Tuesday party people! How was your weekend? We relaxed and stayed local part of the weekend and the other half we spent exploring the city and headed to one of the last summer street fairs. We shared a delicious melt bakery red velvet ice cream sandwich that resembled a whoopie pie and it was oh. so. good. If you're ever in the LES, make sure you stop by their store. Their ice cream and cookies are made from scratch!
How are you celebrating the last week of summer? Seriously...it feels like we just started the season! We're still trying to squeeze every last bit of summer activity in before it's gone; including shorts and bare legs! This past weekend really felt like early Fall even though it's still a few days away. I geared up to get my first taste of Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte and it was everything. Right now as I type this up, my salivary glands are activating. True story...when Fall is even remotely near, I start craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte, I start pinning pumpkin recipes to make, make a Fall Bucket List, and naturally start buying Halloween decor. As much as I love summer, Autumn is most definitely my favorite season. Autumn inspires me. The crisp autumn air, sweaters, hot cocoa, spiced coffee, the color changing leaves, hot apple cider and donuts, apple & pumpkin picking, football, pumpkin recipes, warm pies and fall fashion. I wish it were the longest season, instead of dead man winter. Seriously, what's not to love about Autumn? In the words of L.M. Montgomery: "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

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the county fair

2013-09-13T12:03:00.001-04:00

We took Noah to a Fair on the Upper West Side this past weekend and although it wasn't exactly what we expected, it was still fun to get out and enjoy the beautiful day as summer quickly winds down. As I've mentioned before, we love to explore this beautiful city we call home and any chance we get to be outdoors and tasting local eats we are game. See, we're not hard to please. :) Wherever we go, food follows us. Or we follow it. Tomato, Tom-a-to! He was more interested in chasing after other little kids, and picking up sticks and leaves than posing with mommy. I have to be honest; I have no idea what they were singing but the backdrop looked pretty. This was the extent of their "petting zoo." Not very exciting. Moving on. Not the prettiest water to look at (ha, ha) but kayaking is one of the very many free activities NY has in the summer. That should count for something, right?! ;) Any day spent with these two men is a happy one in my book! Photo 5 by Larry; all others taken by me

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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recipe: vanilla-brown sugar french toast

2013-09-12T11:50:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning. The best morning for a sweet, decadent breakfast. You get to sleep in (or if you're like us, 'sleeping in' as a parent means 8 a.m.). You've got two full days of no work, no commuter rush, no big plans awaiting you. You roll over in bed, stretch and see that the sun is shining outside and you think how good it feels to not have to rush to get anywhere. That's what weekends are for, after all. The sole motivation for you getting up is the thought of that freshly brewed cup of coffee with your name on it. And this vanilla french toast just waiting to be devoured. I like to make this breakfast when I want to spoil my family. French toast feels like home to me. It's a comfort food. Back when I was still living at home, I distinctly remember the smell of my mom's french toast wafting up to my second floor bedroom. That would be enough to send my stomach rumbling. These same memories are what I hope to instill in my son. That boy loves to eat. And he loves when I make these. Coincidentally, so does daddy. The only way to serve these are stacked with a very generous drizzle of syrup. I did mention you should spoil yourself as well, right? Coffee, OJ, and bacon are all optional but absolutely recommended!

Vanilla-Brown Sugar French Toast | adapted from This Gal Cooks |
yields approx. 6-8 slices
ingredients: 1 loaf Challah bread, sliced into 1-inch slices (brioche is a delicious option too) 2 large eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon pinch of salt powdered sugar, for topping (optional) berries, for topping (optional) syrup, to serve
directions: 1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
2. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or melt a pat of butter to coat the surface.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, individually. Place in griddle or skillet. Cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Flip to the other side and repeat.
4. Serve toast with berries, powdered sugar, and syrup. Enjoy!

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a day of remembrance

2013-09-11T10:10:00.001-04:00

Today is a day of remembrance, of reflection, of service, and of commemoration. Let's honor those that lost their lives on that fateful day, the heroic first responders and those that continue to help preserve the memory of 9/11. Reflect.

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weekend recap

2013-09-09T19:07:00.001-04:00

There's something about the transition to Fall that makes me very happy. The warm (ish) mornings and the cool nights which are perfect conditions to sleep with all the windows open. No better excuse to shut off the A.C. and let fresh air waft through the house. We've been taking advantage and getting out during the day and this weekend we headed to a friend's superhero birthday party and to a county fair in the Upper West Side. It couldn't have been more of a perfect day to spend by the water, watching our little boy run around chasing after leaves, sharing a grilled pita and making plans for the future. Life is damn good.

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farm day

2013-09-04T14:42:00.001-04:00

J.Crew denim vest. J.Crew Factory top. Zara faux leather shorts (old, but alternative). Converse Chucks. H&M clutch (old). Target watch. FACE Stockholm lips in Pink Peony.
O' happy day loves! I hope there is lots of sunshine wherever you find yourself today. I wore this little ensemble two weekends ago while out at the Farm with my little family. I was hoping for a cool enough day to wear this cute striped top and it looks like I got my wish. Now you all know I love a bargain. Not only was the tee already marked off, but J.Crew was running a sale promotion that weekend plus with my rewards card all I had to pay for was shipping. I love good deals!
If you're into NYFW (New York Fashion Week), follow along with all the daily happenings here or watch it live here.
Happy Hump Day!

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