Dining Room Refresh

Managed to finish painting and redecorating the dining room today—except for the light fixture over the table, of course. Picked out a perfect dark blue wall color from Behr's called "December Eve." It's a little difficult to see it in the photo, but it came put even better than I expected.

I'm contemplating putting that blue on a wall in the bedroom too. I'm so sick of everything in there that I can barely get myself to clean up. Slowly started clearing out my closet yesterday. Now after nine months of pregnancy I have forgotten what I have. Maybe I will re-discover some little gems in there =)

Happy Anniversary My Love

These are the days, the time is now

There is no past, there's only future

There's only here, there's only now

Our ninth wedding anniversary today. I can't believe how fast these years have past by!

Got a note from Rich this morning with this poem. So sweet.

You’ve always been the one I counted on,
Through joy and sorrow, laughter, and some tears;
You keep me grounded; you’re my steady rock;
You’re there for me through days and months and years.

Your sweet devotion never, ever fails,
No matter what I say or what I do.
Sometimes I wonder what I ever did
To deserve someone as wonderful as you.

I love you with a love I can’t control;
I always want to be right by your side.
I want to touch you, kiss you and much more;
My passion for you cannot be denied.

Together we are satisfied and blessed;
Our marriage is the very, very best.

Some of My Favorite Beauty Things

Nexxus Emergencee. Absolutely best hair product for repairing brittle summer hair. That pool and salty ocean water can really do a number on your hair. $12.36 at Amazon.com

Illamasqua Nail Polish. The yummiest colors for the summer. Neon Yellow, Mint Green, Hot Pink, Powder Blue. $14.00 each at Sephora.com

Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron, 1 1/4 inch barrel. Perfect flirty summer curls. Not too big, not too small. $39.99 at ulta.com

e.l.f cosmetics, Bronzing Powder in Warm Tan. $1.00 at eyeslipsface.com. No joke. It's just a buck!

And my two favorite fragrances this season. I'm addicted to both.

Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret. $51.00 for 1.7 oz at Sephora.com

Versace Versus. $59.00 for 1.7 oz at Sephora.com

Hot, Hot, Hot!

I know I shouldn't complain about sunny warm weather, but the temperature peaked at 98 F today. We are literally melting away! Ran over to IKEA today just to escape the heat. Of course we found some really cool stuff—pillow cases, duvet covers, bathroom rugs, frames, pots and some shelves. I don't know how it happens, but every time you go there, you end up spending at least a hundred bucks. Even when you aren't planning on getting anything in particular.

Anyway, can't wait to start redecorate tomorrow. Have to run to Home Depot to get some new paint too—a hot pink wall in the hallway and a dark blue one in the dining room. Hopefully everything will be in place for the holiday weekend.

Trying to make some holiday weekend plans. Drinks with friends, maybe dinner at Cassis, BBQ on Saturday, picnic in Caumsett and hopefully we can squeeze in a sail and a beach day at TOBAY too.

Fashion Bargains to Love

Phoenyxx t-strap sandal, Steve Madden, $80.00

Lightweight Moto Jacket, Old Navy, $34.50

Bonfire Necklace, Banana Republic, $39.50

Feathers Ring, Banana Republic, $29.99

What to do, What to do?

Still in bed relaxing this Monday morning. Trying to figure out what to do today. I for sure have things I should be doing, but maybe this will just be a fun day with some outings. Maybe a trip to IKEA...

Another Sunday Night

Never made it to the boat yesterday. Such strange weather all day—first hot, humid and sunny and then hot, sticky and really overcast. We thought thunderstorms were moving in and decided to stay home. Big mistake—the clouds cleared up and it became unbearably hot. Ugh! Just my luck.

We did however get to christen the newly refurbished table and chairs outside. About two years ago we got out hands on this antique garden set from early 1920s, but since then it's been sitting and we haven't done anything to it until this year. Finally it's scraped, repainted, new cushions and a new tiled table top. It actually looks really cute! So Sunday evening dinner outside with the fire going. Could it get any better?!

Kate Spade Candice Espadrille Sandal

I can't believe my luck! Stopped by Saks yesterday and after searching for of espadrille sandals, I found a pair that I absolutely love. And the best part is that they were first on sale and then 33% clearance discount on top of that. It came to only $95.00 and they were originally $225!

Kate Spade, Candice, Silver Coated Suede Espadrille Sandal

Sweet Spaces

When I was little I would have loved this play tent! My tiny girl is a little too young for this one, but I think it's so cute. I was for a moment tempted to get it and store it until she's old enough, but then I came to my senses =)

Land of Nod, Home Sweet Play Home, $99.00 for the tent and $49 for the cushion

Comes in 4 different colors, lavender, pink, green and blue.

Design Inspiration from West Elm

This makes me think that a little redesign of the dining room is in order. I just have to have this lamp and dark blue wall —they will go perfectly with our cowhide rug and teak furniture.

Maybe if I feel ambitious after the 4th of July weekend, some repainting will be on the schedule....

Woven Veneer Pendant, $149

Framed Silhouette Print, $29.00

Hammered Metal Serving Ware, $5.00-$99.00

Old 97s at the South Street Seaport

Great news for all Old 97s fans. Free concert at the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan next weekend.

Old 97s

South Street Seaport, Pier 17

July 4, 2010

7 pm

More info, click here.

Happy Birthday Jen!

What a long, long day. Tons of errands and then Jen's annual birthday BBQ in Nissequogue. Happy Birthday Jen—the big three-O. Welcome to the other side! As always, yummy food, delish cocktails (that white sangria kicked ass). And that view always takes my breath away.

We just got home and all three of us are totally exhausted. Thank god we decided against Midsummer celebration in the city last night. That would have been too much—especially since I constantly feel like I need a good night's sleep. But if we are not too tired tomorrow, we may venture out to the boat and have lunch out on the moring. This summer heat is really getting to me and the ocean breeze would be wonderful.

About to head for bed, but we are trying to make some weekend plans for the rest of the summer. I think maybe the Hamptons the weekend after next. Dying to spend a weekend at the beach with some good food and relaxation—especially since we have no trips planned until next summer. Traveling with a newborn just feels daunting at this time.

Feelin' Fine Anytime You're Around Me

Decided last minute to stay on Long Island for our own personal Midsummer celebration instead of heading into the city.

No pickled herring, new potatoes, sour cream and chives for us, instead, home made chicken scallopini and a bottle of Moet on the patio. Nothing like relaxing on the deck after a long, hot day. Full day planned for tomorrow—pedicure, shopping, and then BBQ in Nissequoge

Ladies Who Lunches

Just got back from a wonderful lunch with my friend Alexa. Went to a local restaurant (La Bottega in Huntington) that made me such a great salad with blue cheese, grilled chicken, pears and toasted pecans—all my favorites. And it was pretty cheap too, $8.95 for a salad—not bad for a sit-down lunch with outdoor seating. I will definitely go back again.

I'm starting to feel like myself again, so I guess it's time to start with the outfit shots again. Today's outfit, white distressed denim skirt and blue cardigan, both from Ann Taylor LOFT; white tank and platform sandals, Banana Republic; sunglasses, Prada; aqua hobo bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace, homemade by yours truly =).

And my little fashionista in training—in Burberry, of course. Nothing is too good for her!

Loving You is Easy

Happy 6 weeks, Sweetpea.

Happy Midsummer All!

Swedish Midsummer Eve today and there will be big celebrations down in Manhattan's Battery Park. Starting at 5 pm today, there will be decoration of the midsummer pole, traditional Swedish food, fiddle music, and dancing. Should be tons of fun!

Swedish Midsummer Festival

Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park

Battery Park City

New York, NY

Friday, June 25, 2010

5-8 pm

For more info, click here.

LOFT finds

I haven't had my camera for a few days now, but I finally found it. I don't know where my brain is lately—sever case of mommy-brain.

Before I head to bed for the night, I just wanted to show some of the really cute stuff I got from Ann Taylor LOFT last week—all on sale. The dress was only about $40.00 and the skirt $25.00! Perfect staples for the summer.

I think the dress will be perfect for my friend's birthday BBQ out east on Saturday.

A Closet Find

I was cleaning out my shoe closet today and I found these really cute espadrille sandals from J Crew that I had totally forgotten about. True, they are not perfect, but these will do for now—and they are free!

Squander

Just came home from another impromptu cook-out/pool party at Rich's sister's house. With this heat wave there's nothing like a dip in the pool to cool off. On days like this I really wish we too had a watering hole in our backyard, but I know the yard will never fit a pool–it's just too small. Maybe our next house will have room for one...

Skunk Anansie's Squander playing on the iPod—I think she must be one of my favorite artists. Her song Hedonism always reminds me of summer back home in Sweden—I had it playing on repeat a whole summer when I was home from college one year, but I never got sick of it.

A Beautiful Mess

I think this must be the best invention ever. These new "spin pins" from Goody helps you create a messy looking up-do. Apparently they do the job of 20 regular bobby pins. I totally love it—a messy bun is always so cute.

They seem to be sold out in a bunch of places (or overpriced at almost $15.00 for a pack). I found a website that has both brunette and blond ones in stock. I just scored two sets of two (since I'm always so spacey and mis place these things all over the house.)

Goody Spin Pins, $6.49 for two at folica.com

New Favorite Store: Ann Taylor Loft

I flip flop all the time on which store is my absolute favorite—Club Monaco, J Crew, Bloomingdales...I seem to have a different answer everytime. However, right now I love everything in Ann Taylor Loft—I found tons pf really cute stuff there today and everything is affordable too. I particularly love this empire waist dress and gold linen shorts

Empire Dress with Ribbon Hem in White, $89.50

Glitter Linen/Cotton Shorts, $39.50

Michael Kors Juniper Esparilles

Found the espadrille sandals of my dreams and of course they are sold out all over in my size.

Anyone knows where you can find the MICHAEL Michael Kors Juniper espadrille sandals in White Gold, size 8.5?

Leather Bracelets from Helene Jewelry

Saw these bracelets in Lucky Magazine and I am totally in love with them. A mix of dyed and metallic leather bracelets with African brass beads. Comes in six different colors, but I especially love the turquoise and lavender ones.

Jamey Leather Bracelets, helenejewels.com, $38.00 for a set of 9

Yaaarrr—Jolly Roger Cufflinks

Have been looking around for a pair of cool cufflinks for Rich for our anniversary, and I just found these Jolly Roger ones from cufflinks.com. They come in four different enamel colors, but I think these blue ones are my favorites. I think these will be perfect—and they are not that expensive either.

Blue Calico Jack Cufflinks, $50.00 cufflinks.com

Wild Night is Calling

Again it's past midnight and I'm still up— I really should try to get back in some kind of better rhythm. Being up all night and sleep half the day away is really not me anymore. Feels a little bit like I am back in college =)

Anyway, sitting in the sofa with a sleeping beauty in my lap, working on a to-do list for tomorrow and sipping orange juice and seltzer. I love making to-do lists and checking off items as I go along. Unfortunately, lately it's been a challenge getting things done. It seems like the list for every day remains half completed at the end of every day and the rest have to move to the next day. Of course, that ends with one giant list at the end of the week.

Spent all day in the city running errands and going to all my appointments. Hot and sticky—but all in a wonderful kind of way. Gosh, I just love New York and after being away for any period of time, I tend to fall in love with this city all over again.

Til' tomorrow, kids. Nite nite.

BB Dakota Ross Striped Dress

I just got my hands on the most adorable summer dress from BB Dakota. Super comfy tank dress in blue and white stripes. I love how it easily could go from day to night with just some cute accessories.

BB Dakota Ross Striped Dress in Marine, piperlime.com, $60.00

If I now could just find a pair of espadrille sandal wedges for a reasonable price to go with it, I would be all set. Any suggestions?

Crazy for Kolo

As much as I love digital photos, I'm still a little old fashioned and want some paper copies too. These photo albums from Kolo are so cute—really pretty and super functional too. I got my first one almost ten years ago for my wedding photos and I have continued using them for years. Just ordered another one for all of the photos I'm taking of Campbell.

You can get them directly from Kolo.com (you can even order custom photo books from there) but Manhattan art supply store A.I. Friedman has them both in store and online for 25% less. Who doesn't love saving money?!

Visit Kolo.com or aifriedman.com

Celebrate Good Times

Campbell and I at my birthday lunch

Sunday night and New York is ridiculously hot. Cranky husband, cranky baby, and cranky me. A whopper of a headache—probably dehydration.

Otherwise it's been an amazing weekend. Friday birthday lunch with Laurie (Thanks babe, it was so much fun). Beach, dinner out and birthday gifts on Saturday. I had to share my special day with the Princess of Sweden's wedding, but I don't mind =). And today, Rich's first Father's Day as a dad. A wonderful BBQ with sis-in-law Deb and family. So nice. Typically, I forgot my bathing suit—I really could have gone for a dip in the pool today.

As usual, Rich got me a fab birthday gift—a yummy turquoise Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. He is such an amazing husband—he always gets the best presents! And he knows (and often encourages) my weakness for shoes and bags. Of course, I can't find my camera so pictures will have to wait.

Today's Outfit: Tee and Gold belt, J Crew; Tulip Skirt, Banana Republic; Watch, Michael Kors; Necklace, Club Monaco; Bangle Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane