White Kitchen

My friend is currently renovating her 80's-style kitchen to a white farmhouse kitchen. It's beautiful! There are a few finishing touches and she still has to figure out her backsplash. Oh the backsplash! She's stumped. I went over there the other day to check out her samples and turned them all down. I think she should do subway tiles, but she wants warmth and is thinking stone. Those small details are little but can make or break the look of the kitchen. One of the styles that she did was panel most of her appliances but kept her commercial-grade stove stainless. I like how it keeps everything clean-looking and cuts back on the metal.

{images via House Beautiful, Urban Grace Interiors, domino, decorpad, cottageliving}

Father and Son

Did I mention that these boys recently celebrated a birthday? And have I ever mentioned that they were born on the same day? 30 years apart. The little guy will get a birthday party, and I'm currently in planning mode. The big boy gets to do what he loves to do--go on a climbing trip. Not my favorite thing but he's been itching to go, so I guess you can say I'm releasing him. It is very cute how much they look a like.

Disneyland

We took our kids to Disneyland for the first time a few weeks ago and LOVED IT! Disneyland is truly a place where magic happens! I loved watching my children and how their eyes would light up. We had a blast and enjoyed every minute of it, eventhough it was exhausting. We made sure we got there right when the doors opened and left right when they closed--we are talking 8 am to midnight! We are crazy, but it is a good way to get your monies worth.

Along with all the rides at Disneyland, another thing that really made it fun and worthwhile were the people who came with us. My sister and her family spent the most time with us. My brother and his family was there. My sister's sister-in-law and her family popped in one day. And then we met up with one of our favorite family, the Brandon's (we miss you!).

We tried to hit most of the rides and cover alot of ground. All the girls signed up to do the princess lunch one day--that's a great way to get the princesses' pictures and autographs. We tried to get fastpasses for World of Color--a new show. I'm so sad we didn't see it. I heard it is amazing!

One thing that I chuckled about and didn't expect from my little five-year-old Stella, who is so afraid of most Disney-animated movies, was her enthusiasm to hit up all the scary rides. I'm talking Hollywood Hotel of Terror was her favorite ride. She love it. Space Mountain? She went on it multiple times. Seriously I thought we were going to be sticking with all the little rides, but no. She wanted go on the big dogs. Very funny. Good times. Can't wait to go back!

Neon Graveyard

While I was in Vegas, I wanted to go check out all the vintage hotel signs in downtown. There's a corner lot in downtown Vegas called Neon Boneyard, where old neon hotel signs have been disposed of. I've seen some really cool pictures taken there, and I wanted to take the opportunity and capture some pictures of my kids there. Unfortunately when I got there, excited to snap away, all the hotel signs had been moved to a parking lot and fenced and blocked off with large no trespassing signs. I guess the neon graveyard has captured quite the attention that the city of Vegas wants to take advantage of it and is now making it a museum.

These are a few pictures I got from standing up through the window of a car and holding my camera up. Check out these cool pictures that Bluelily captured of the graveyard. Love all the color!

Photobooth Engagement

How did you announce your engagement? Honestly, if I can recall...my mind is foggy on this because it seems like it was forever ago...I think we made rounds of phone calls. Pretty boring. But I love this idea that this couple did using a photobooth. They put the pictures up on facebook to spread the news! Cute idea.

{via Our Wedding Day Blog}

Sandwich Bags+Markers

These sandwich bags are adorable and a good idea! They are made by illustrator Babalisme. She got out her permanant markers and drew pretty pictures on plastic bags. This is a cute idea to keep things organized or when you travel or for children's toys. Now...if only I could draw that good.

{via How about Orange}

Mud Pit

Thank you...mud pit... for keeping my boys entertained in the evening so I can prepare dinner with peace and quiet and no hungry, whiney children at my toes. And really...I don't mind that they get dirty and wet. I'll take it.

Sample Sale

It's always nice to come home from vacation and hit up a sale. And not just any sale. A Tory Burch sample sale. Since I live in the 'burbs, sometimes I forget all the cool things that happen in NYC. When I worked there (many years ago pre-baby period), to get in a sample sale you had to be invited. Yes...you had to get your name on a list. It was kind of annoying, but if you knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone, you usually got in. And the sale prices were amazing...like $10-$50. I still proudly wear my old Marc Jacobs boots that I got for $50.

Anyway, now sample sales are a money-making business for these designers, not a way to unload last year's clothes. Another reason why they changed the prices is because some people would load up on bags and bags of merchandise then turn around and sell it on ebay and make a business out of that. Don't get me wrong on sample sales today...the markdowns are still amazing but not the kind of markdowns where they practically give it away. Also, no invite list. Instead for the Tori Burch sale, we waited in a two-hour line to get in. It was worth it though. I got some really great stuff for still a great price. So, if you happen to be heading to NYC, stop by the fashion district at 7th Ave and 38th St. and get a list of all the sample sales that are going on (not sure what their hours are) or check out DailyCandy or Clothingline.

A Happy Day to Remember

Here are a few pictures from the wedding. I was able to finally get them all downloaded on my computer. Just returned home from my trip, so I'm kind of all over the place right now.

Diana with Stephen's nieces

I love Diana's look on her face

Dad and brother Nathan

My boys. It was so hard getting a picture of them. They were wired at the reception and still on East Coast time. The 100+ degree heat didn't help either. But aren't they cute in their matching suits?

Girlfriends--Ash and Libby!

My cute Mom and Dad dancing before the crowds came.

Sisters

I think every girl should have one. I'm lucky to have three.

Babies in a Basket

Yesterday I got to snuggle with these babies and feed them and change their diapers. They are so adorable and beautiful!! They are freshly baked out of the oven, so they have the newborn smell and sounds. We had a fun time doing a little photoshoot with them since they are still so small to both lay in a basket. And as you can tell they love being close to one another.

Shout out to the babies's father for placing in the 94 percentile in the nation on his final medical exam and 99 percentile in his specialist section. This all happened a week after the babies were born and in the middle of a cross-the-nation move. We are so proud of you Aaron!!

Speaking of Bridal

J.Crew just opened up their bridal boutique on Madison Avenue. You can go to the store and dress your whole wedding party. And finally see and try on the bridal dresses in the store.




{images via}

The Cakes

You know that if the head pastry chef of Bouchon is going to be making the cakes and all the pastry at your wedding, it's going to be a heavenly delicious delight. Lucky for Stephen and Diana that Chris was happy to take on their request. The desserts were amazing and the cakes were pieces of artwork. I ate so many macaroons; I lost count. They were addicting. The cake was one of the best I've ever taste. The little flowers were all edible. After the bride and groom cut the cake, people swarmed to get a slice. However, we were all disappointed to receive a slice of a non-Chris cake. But once the head lady, who was over desserts, left the table, my girlfriend Ashley started serving it up to the guests. It was hilarious and made all the cake-lovers happy. We think she just didn't want the beautiful cakes to be destroyed. I guess I don't blame her.

Baggie Skirts and Dresses

These baggie skirts and dresses from Plain Zane are perfect for summer. They are so cute with leggings or over a bathing suit. And your little girl can be a designer and pick out the fabrics. Skirts are only $25 and dresses are $30. Place your orders quickly--the shop is closed after June 16 for the summer.