Freshly Cut

My boys recently got their hair cut. The good thing is that I don't have to worry about brushing their bed head in the morning because their hair is cut short. But they always look a tad bit older when they get it cut, especially my four year old who is getting so tall. His little sister adores him, even at such a young age. She loves his raspy boyish voice and his constant attention.

Dolls

These dolls were a frequent playdate at our house this past week during the break. Everytime I went into the playroom, they were in a different position or dressed in a different outfit. And at the end of the night they were always dressed in pajamas and tucked in nicely in their "beds". I guess Stella was doing quite a bit catching up on playtime.

Favorite Dress

One of my favorite dresses at the Oscars was the Elie Saab gown that Mila Kunis wore. The draping and lace around the bust was so pretty. I thought it was perfect for her tiny frame.

Wood

I think the look of natural wood is coming back. How beautiful it looks against all white. What do you think? Are you getting sick of painted wood?

{via atHome}

Break

My school kid are on winter break this week. Since we aren't traveling and it's cold outside (and still SNOWING!), I've scheduled lots of playdates with friends they don't see often, a few crafts and a couple of days at children's museums (we've got a whole slew full out here). The other day we went to the Intrepid in the City because Puppetry Arts was there. My little four year old was so excited to see the Star Wars characters--Chewbacca was a favorite. Look at how tall he is! (my kids were completely distracted in all the pictures we took)

Stylin' Nursing Bras

After three (now four) babies, my nursing bras have seen better days. Pretty much they are thrashed and shouldn't be worn. Well, I didn't know that there is now stylish nursing bras until I saw on Gilt that Elle MacPherson has a line of feminine nursing bras that look comfortable and pretty with no fuss. Now why didn't I think of that...

Silhouette Art

In love with silhouettes? There is a charming little art book called Silhouette Art that is full of paper, instructions and patterns for making modern heirlooms. It comes with everything you need to make personal silhouettes. There are so many fun things you can do with silhouettes--use them on personal note cards or make a framed silhouette of your family, put a silhouette of your husband and you in a locket...endless possibilities.

Photos by Edyta Szyszlo

Set Design

From elegant weddings to backyard-chic weddings, Gloria Wong knows how to design the set with every little detail. You can't help but gaze at her breathtaking designs. I'm especially loving this wedding. The Grandma pies are the best.




(photos by Lisa Lefkowitz)

BHLDN

Oh my...oh my, oh my! My breath is taken back by all the beautiful dresses and shoes over at Anthropologie's sister store BHLDN (pronounced Beholden). The site launched yesterday and is all about wedding and party clothes. I am in love with those feather peep-hole shoes.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's valentine's day this morning at our house...shuffling kids off to school. I got up earlier to make heart-shaped pancakes (add ground flaxseed for nutrition--the kids will never know) instead of the usually breakfast of cold cereal and oatmeal.

pink milk and happy valentine's day on family chalkboard

our crayon hearts hanging from the window

cinnamon sugar mix that Lucas made at preschool were sprinkled on the pancakes.

Lips & Mustache Valentines

These valentine's are cute and silly for an elementary-age child. They'll sure get any child laughing. We made them for my first grader, and she fully participated in the craft. I saw this idea on Family Fun. I know I'm posting a little late, but something you can bookmark for next year.

Here's what you need:

• wrapped flat, round whirly lollipops (you can get at candy store. I bought mine at michael's in wedding section)
• brown and pink foam (craft store)
• lips and mustache template (see below for download)
• scissors
• 1/8 inch hole punch
• happy valentine's day round labels (see below for download)
• full white label sheets (office supply store)
• 1.5" hole punch (available at craft stores)

Instructions: Download the FREE lips and mustache template and print out on heavy paper. Cut out then trace onto pink and brown foam. Cut the lips and mustaches shapes out of the foam. Next take the 1/8 inch hole punch and punch a hole in the center of the mouth shape. Slide onto lollipop.

Then download the FREE happy valentine's label. Print onto full white label sheet. Punch out with the 1.5" hole puncher. Stick onto front side of lollipop. Then download the FREE blank lollipop labels. Print out, then have your child write their name. Punch out and stick on the back side of lollipop.

Candy Airplane Valentines

For my preschooler's valentines this year we decided to have a little fun and change up the normal card giving. After all, what preschooler actually reads the valentine card? Lucas told me his valentines had to have candy. So, we decided to do candy airplanes! Sweet and interactive. Just what little boys need.

We had a lot of fun building the airplanes together. Stella constructed the planes, I put on the banners and Lucas watched and ate up any broken parts.


If you haven't done valentines for your child yet, this is a fun project to do together. Here's what you'll need.

• 1 candy cane stick for the body (I purchased mine from michaels in the wedding section)
• 2 gum sticks (wings)
• 2 lifesavers (wheels)
• 1 red rubber band (craft store or office supply store)
• 2"x3" red paper
• heart stickers
• happy valentines banner (see below for download)
• hole punch
• string

All you do is take the 2 gum sticks and put them together. I used 2 gum sticks instead of one to make the wings sturdy. Wrap the red paper around the two gum sticks and tape on the bottom. Next thread the rubber band through the two lifesavers and balance the candy stick in between the two lifesavers. Then take your wings and place on top of the candy stick perpendicular and then pull the rubber band up and over the wings on both side. I wrapped the rubber band twice to make it secure. Use the heart stickers to decorate the front.

Download the FREE happy valentine's airplane banner. Print on cardstock, cut out and have your child write their name on the back. Hole punch the corners of the banner and thread string through it and tie to candy stick wrapper.

Pressed Juicery

It's no secret that LA is into their health. I hear from friends who live there that there are amazing organic and raw food groceries, restaurant and cafes. Definitely up my alley. One way I've been trying to shed weight is by drinking raw juices and shakes that are made with vegetables and some fruit. It's my way of making sure I'm getting everything I need (and baby). Well, I just recently found out about Pressed Juicery, which is located in LA--freshly pressed organic juices and cleansing juices--right in a bottle with no preservatives or other gunk. I need to place an order. It would become handy for those mornings when I'm rushing out the door and don't have time to blend some vegetables.

PS...head over to Simply Healthful for a fun giveaway.

Jonathan Adler

I had the chance to see Jonathan Adler speak at my local library. Awesome, right? He talked about his new book series Happy Chic, how he launched his career, a sneak peek of his new products, his design aesthetics and views of his NYC apartment and other projects. There was a reception and book signing after the presentation, but I had to step out afterward to get home to a hungry baby. Here are some of the things he talked about:

• when you enter a room: what are you trying to have the room say? Keep it clean but add pops of color. And make sure there is a design palette. He loves the color orange.
• Everyone needs a little glitz--add some gold
• You can never go wrong if it's something you really like
• In his living room, he decided to put a ping-pong table in it instead of a sofa that would never be sat on. He made the ping-pong table with plywood and then wallpapered it. It was my favorite room in his house.
• Next best thing in design? Needlepoint and animal-inspired pottery.

This wall was made out of platinum! I love those dragon lamps!

Chloe's Blessing Day

Chloe was blessed (christened) this past weekend. I was so happy that my parents were able to come out and participate. The blessing was beautiful, sweet and spiritual. Chloe was able to be blessed in our family's 100-year-old christening dress that was hand stitched by Chloe's great-great-great Grandmother, who made it for Chloe's great Grandpa, who was also blessed in it. And I was blessed in it and all my other children were blessed in it. It's a very sentimental heirloom. I hope it will stay together for another 100 years!

Chloe was mesmerized by my dad and his soothing voice and those bear-like arms. Every time he held her she would go in a trace and then fall a sleep.

After church we had a small gathering of close friends over for lunch. I made it easy--sandwiches, soup and little cakes.