By Malene Birger

Palm Green Sequined dress from one of my absolute favorite designers, Malene Birger.

By Malene Birger, Palm Green Sequined Dress, $504 @ stylebop.com

Good Morning New York City!

Earlybird

Up before dawn for a 6:20 train to Manhattan. Thank god this doesn't happen every day!

Playtime and Wine

Play date with Laurie and Mimi last week--actually the first real play date they have ever had. (Thanks Laurie for being the hostess with the mostest!) I think the little ones will get the hang of it soon--so far it was two girls playing two separate games right next to each other. Plus, Cami did not score any brownie points with Mimi when she on several occasions stole Mimi's favorite blanket. Such a little naghty girl sometimes =)

But to be honest, it was a perfect excuse for us girls to get together and have a glass of wine. Unfortunately, those instances are far and few between now when kids are in the picture. But we cherish the times we do have. Thank you girls for being wonderful friends!

Just about to be off to the train. Another long night of browsing through pictures on the laptop trying to find a photo for our Christmas card. Wish me luck...

It's a Wonderful Life

Happy Monday everyone! I can't believe I'm back at work already. This long Thanksgiving weekend was just so nice, I didn't want it to end. A perfect blend of relaxation and family get-togethers, plus we even had a little time to be productive. All the windows are now completed in the living room. It's amazing what a difference it made--I'm not even sure why we didn't do this before. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Just to make myself feel a little better, I already started to plan my next day off in two weeks. We are spending the whole day in the city seeing the tree, window shopping on 5th ave, drinking hot coco, visiting FAO Schwartz to pick out the perfect toy. And maybe we can squeeze in a little ice skating at the Wollman Rink if we are lucky! A very merry holiday day =)

I was itching to start decorating the house for Christmas this weekend, but as usual we ran out of time. But least the house is all shiny and clean, so we are all set to bring out all the decorations next weekend...or maybe even before that! 

Gobble Gobble

Happy thanksgiving sweet friends!

Underneith the Christmas Tree

No, not for me, silly! But it does match our kitchen decor =)


Toy stove from Potterybarn Kids, $219.00 @ potterybarnkids.com

NYC and Enviros

I'm Trouble

Hidden Talents

I think we all have at least one unexpected hidden talent that is just waiting to come out. One of those thing that is a complete surprise to yourself and everyone around you. I discovered mine a few years ago when we move into our first apartment together. It was apparent that I was really good at home renovations. Carpentry. Laying tiles. Installing windows. For some unexplained reason I can just look at it and then figure out how to do it! No training whatsoever (wood shop in grammar school does not count!).

[Tell me, what's your hidden talent?]

Back to the weekend project. We really only have a handful of projects left in the house, but new bathroom tiles was definitely one of them.

We have had these gross 1970s tiles since we moved in 6 years ago. Some weird mix of bone white and fleshy pink. I don't even understand how anyone could have picked it out.

48 hour transformation. Old tiles out, new tiles in, and it looks amazing! I'm actually a little impressed myself. For a while on Saturday I actually started to think we wouldn't be able I finish on time for Monday morning (Water damage in the form of soaking wet drywall was discovered midway in the project. I should have known). But beautiful white subway tiles with a grayish blue glass tile accent striped. All ready for another bubble bath.

Hot and Skinny

 
Minus 6 Lbs so far. The carrot at the end of the stick, J Brand 910s Skinny Low-Rise in Ink.

VaVaVoom!

Hello Gorgeous!

 

I woke up so full of excitement today, a little extra spring in my step. Not only is it Friday, but today is pitch day! It doesn't get any more exhilarating that that. With that unusual little burst of energy, I actually managed leave the house five minutes earlier than normal--just enough to goof around a little outside with Cami (and snap a few shots). She is truly the sunshine of my life and just adds that extra sliver lining in everything =)


As always after a big pitch, I'm craving a little relaxation and rest. Maybe an evening in PJs, with tea and The King's Speech on Netflix? Planning another ambitious weekend--we really want everything to be in in time for the holidays. New shower tiles are being installed and we are having our the annual closet clean out. I need to purge to make room for some new stuff. Right now I'm so frustrated--everything is so jammed in there that it's so difficult to get ready in the morning.

Anyway, upwards and forwards. I'll be back later!

Toasty Toes

Aspelina W duck boots from Tretorn with the prettiest purple liner. Perfect for our long weekend hikes.

Aspelina W @ tretorn.com, $135.00

Gotham nights

Just finished up goodbye drinks for the beautiful Molly, and I'm finally on my way home. The hubby was kind enough to be single parent tonight, so I could go out for a few glasses of wine.

Mentally preparing for a Crazy day for tomorrow. Last push for the big creative pitch. It's been such a great learning experience, and I'm crossing my fingers that it will go perfect down in Miami on Friday.

Of course, I'm on the midnight drunk train with all the party people. My goodness, does fast food they're munching on smell delish or what! But no junk food for me—I'm on day 4 of my pre-holiday slim down commitment. I'm staying strong (minus 5 lbs so far) and I'm quietly channeling Wallis Simpson's 'a woman can never be too rich or too skinny'.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Frugalista Fab

My whole theory on fashion is to spend a little more then usual on classic garments and save on trendy items that you will just wear a handful of times or for just a season. I think we all have at least a few pieces in our closets that were super expensive and very trendy (complete impulse buys!!) I know, I have for sure a few of those guilt ridden items still hanging in my closet. I just can't get myself to donate them—they were way too expensive (and secretly I think I'm hoping that they will some back in fashion some day.)

Plus, Cami spills a wide variety of foods and drinks on me almost every day. I can't remember last I managed to stay spill free for a whole day =) and no matter how hard I try, grape juice, lollipops, and those macaronis that come flying always seem to land on that silk blouse or the nice cashmere sweater.

On that note, I found these two really cute items at Old Navy. A really nice pleated skirts (super cute with boots and a jacket) and a beautiful satin dress in the most amazing emerald green.

Micro-pleat skirt, on sale $19.99 @ oldnavy.com

Ruffled Satin Dress, $44.94 @ oldnavy.com

Bubble Bath

Bubble baths, the easiest way to put a 1.5 year old girl in a perfect mood! I proved it tonight—besides who needs toys when you can have bubbles?! It can apparently provide endless entertainment.

(And just look at those adorable curls—I die)

Sparkles and Shimmer

I know it seems a little early to start thinking about holiday dresses, but I stumbled upon this silver sequin dress tonight and I think this must be the one and only one for me this Christmas. I totally in love with cap sleeves lately. With black tights and stilettos, it will be perfect to sip champagne and toast to the season in!


Donna Morgan Open-back Sequin Dress, $140.00 @ dillards.com

We have otherwise made a conscience decision that this Christmas will be a casual pajama holiday for the whole family. I'm thinking thermal PJs, hot toddy and the fire going. And being off for ten days between Christmas and New Years has made me start dreaming of the holidays already.

(If we are lucky, we'll get a nice big snow storm just in time for the holidays so we can have a wonderful white Christmas! I've been dying to go sledding with Campbell)

Ruby Velvet Heels

Ohh please, please be mine.

These would just be perfect on my little feet on Christmas Eve.

Juicy Couture, Rosa Velvet Heels, $225 at juciycoutur.com

Good Morning Cold Spring Harbor

Beautiful crisp fall morning on the island. Just three more days of the work week. Hurrah! Saturday night wine tasting at our place. I had been planning this party for last weekend, but with the great weather, the new window installation had to take precedence. All that's remaining is to pick out six great wines and make some good food to snack on. I'm thinking three whites and three reds. Suggestions?

Thanksgiving in just another two weeks—where did this fall go? August until now went so fast, and it's soon Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, I'm so excited for the holidays. I actually love the whole Christmas season—we always kick-off with Lucia celebration at the Swedish church. (Just a reminder, tickets go on sale Nov 18). This year Cami is going to be so much more aware of everything, so Christmas should be absolutely spectacular. We are adding a new tradition this year and we'll go out east on the North Fork to cut our own Christmas tree!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Boots Made for Walking

Keeping my feet warm this winter. Black over the knee riding boots from Ralph by Ralph Lauren, $229.00 @ ralphlauren.com

Pretty Hair

I'm usually really lazy when it comes to my hair. Pony tails or buns, that's pretty much the extent of it. But I have been experimenting with new hair styles lately and this is my latest creation. Twisted braids with this amazing headband from J Crew. Heidi-hair! I kind of like it, so this one will be a repeat.

Happy Birthday Matt McAleese!

Ladybug

I think I have become one of those people...you know, one of those parents who think their kid is the cutest thing and can't stop taking pictures. I guess it's inevitable...

Having Cami just made that final missing piece of the puzzle fall into place. That last hole in your heart goes away and everything is perfect no matter what happens around you, you always have her—the world is simply complete!

Just a few pictures from the weekend. She is growing up way too fast—she was beyond excited when she figured out how the harmonica worked (I think we are going to regret this one. Thumbs down for noisy toys!!)

She's also started to embrace her inner Picasso. Post-modern abstract paintings are being produced at lightening speed. Most of them consist of a few scribbles in a single color, but to me it's the most amazing piece of art =)

Have a good night everyone!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone