Mid-October, As It Stands

Making : Serious side-eye at Donald Trump.
Cooking : Dinner every night. Weekly meal-planning is a sanity-saver.
Drinking : Glass after glass of water. Always thirsty! Also, grape juice. 
Reading: Great With Child: Letters to a Young Mother by Beth Ann Fennelly.
Wanting: This on-the-go handwash, this book and this footstool pouf.
Looking: At my silhouette reflection in everything (including shiny office building facades. No shame).
Playing: With blocks. Specifically these and these.
Wasting: Wipes? They're especially convenient for cleaning grotty tv remotes.
Wishing: For this little babe to enter the world safely and swiftly.
Enjoying: All of the festive Halloween decorations around the neighborhood.
Waiting: For dusty shelves to figure out to clean themselves. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Liking: Sweater weather.
Wondering: What babies think about inside the womb.
Loving: Our plush new rug in the living room.
Hoping: That my grandfather passes on peacefully.
Marveling: At the fact that there is real person inside of me. Wild.
Needing: A hot water bottle on my lower back after spending any sort of time in a desk chair.
Smelling: Apple cider and eucalyptus. 
Wearing: My husband's t-shirts to bed every night.
Trusting: That my body knows what to do.

Noticing: How strangers see my belly and then smile or comment.
Knowing: Not a whole lot about taking care of a newborn. 
Thinking: About how I loved my bridesmaid hairstyle at my best friend's wedding (pictured).
Bookmarking: Hospital bag packing checklists and easy freezer meals.
Opening: Packages containing assorted tiny things such as snot suckers, teethers and stuffed toys.
Feeling: Joyful.

//

Oh what a difference a year makes! See previous list here.

P.S. For your reading/viewing pleasure:

Barbie hater? You might love their new ad.
Forget the new baby gift. Do this instead.
Identify your Style Profile in one easy step. For the record, I'm an "E."
The Power of Play. So much yes to this.

Ten simple things to make you happier at home. I especially agree with #'s 2, 3 & 10.

Well, this is adorable. And so is this (oh my heart!). 
And last, Imposter Mom.

Book Report: June 2015

I've been reading for pleasure a lot more now that school's out for summer (actually, school's out for the entire next year! I'm taking the 2015-16 academic year off from teaching to stay home with the baby).

Thought I'd round up what I've read in the past month or so and share it here, book report-style. I always find the best recommendations for new books by sharing and talking to other people who have similar tastes.

1).  All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood (Jennifer Senior): This is one that I find myself picking up and reading a few chapters here and there instead of all in one sitting. I especially enjoy the snippets from real-life case studies of how having children changes us as people. It's a book about parenthood, more so than parenting.

2). The Girl You Left Behind (Jojo Moyes): Much like everyone else, I'm currently on a Jojo Moyes kick. I love her writing style and commitment to historical story-telling. This one chronicles two parallel story lines: one in war-torn WW1 France and the other in present day England. If you like romance, art history, mystery and intrigue, this novel will suck you right in. I loved it (and the characters!) so much.

3). Eeny Meeny (M.J. Arlidge): I happen to adore thrillers and crime novels. Tiho doesn't understand my fascination with psychologically disturbing movies and books, but I can't get enough (even if I need to leave the lights on after reading at night). This was a quick read for me: A female detective investigates a string of murders in which a pair of people is kidnapped and then left in an abandoned place with no escape, food or water. They are given a gun with a single bullet by the kidnapper and one of the two is let free--but only after the other dies. Ah! Super intense, with a good ending, in my opinion.

4). The Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins): I feel like most of you are familiar with this one: it's all over every book club and best seller list! Another psychological thriller with a similar feel to Gone, Girl. I got sucked right in and read it in two days. I started to figure out the ending a bit before the twist was revealed, but still found it highly satisfying. As someone who commutes by train every day, its premise was especially intriguing!

5). The Husband's Secret (Liane Moriarty): I recently discovered Australian author, Liane Moriarty, and am thoroughly enjoying reading through her collection of books. The Husband's Secret starts out with a letter only to be opened in the event of its writer's death. It reveals a horrible secret that ends up weaving together the lives of three main characters. I found it to be surprisingly addictive (couldn't put it down!). It has an overall light-hearted tone but deals with some heavy subject matter: I both laughed and cried at various points throughout.

/

Any recommendations on what to read next? We're headed to Cape Cod this weekend and I am so pumped to pound through at least five more books over the course of several days (I often spend hours doing nothing more than reading and lounging in the hammock. Bliss!).

Here We Go

It's so close! In my opinion, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. You can feel it in the energy of the streets. Case in point: I spent the better portion of a recent weeknight carefully researching and crafting my summer bucket list instead of cracking down and working through my photo edits, emails and end-of-school-year tasks.

Let's roll, man.

Of note:

Can't get over this creative spiderman-themed kid's party.
Orange blossom buttercream cake.
I just finished reading this book. Loved it.
Super excited for sunset yoga on the Hudson. Join if you're local!
Something to ponder: what to do with your life.
I can't wait to check out this exhibit over the weekend.

[Photos: May 2014 // Manhattan]

Garden Lounging

Necessary provisions for an afternoon well-spent. Although I suppose for the time being, I need to settle for a city bench and my trusty but battered old sneakers.

(Hanging wisteria, yellow espadrilles, letterpress book, straw fedora, teak chair, moonstone mug).

Things I Like, V. 16 (Valentine Edition)

Red & white is such a fabulous combo. I'm making "friendship fruit salad" with the kiddos in school today and passing out mini chocolate hearts to the train conductors, street crossing guards and whoever else crosses my path while the bag is still full. Because why not?

Happy Valentine's Day, pals!

ONE: Cutting Board
TWO: Wine
THREE: Book
FOUR: Rose
FIVE: Lollipops
SIX: Bathing Suit
SEVEN: Mug
EIGHT: Cookie Cutters

Snapshots

Clockwise from top left: q-tip painting, hugging bananas, color-blocking in chinatown, cheeriness in the form of a $1 primrose plant, weekend couch portrait, & my new favorite polka-dot mug from Bulgaria.

Notes:

Planning for the upcoming six months of life brings about equal parts anxiety and excitement. Trying to finagle the budget to accomodate four weddings (three of which require travel), a move, a trip overseas, and paying off outstanding debt is no easy feat. But, it must be done, so done it will be. Somehow.

I'm almost finished reading Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper, and am really enjoying it. I'd highly recommend any of her books. They always leave me day-dreaming about my ancestry and the mysterious treasures that may reside there.

I read this sweet story on the train the other day and had to dig for a tissue before I exited.

We attended a friend's birthday gathering at Hudson Lodge in Manhattan on Saturday night. Pretty cool scene--check it out if you're local.

I can't stop listening to this song. Over and over and over again.

Happy Monday.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

This wish list is mostly for Emma's benefit, as she always asks me what I want for Christmas/birthdays and then ends up buying something off my blog. A smart one she is, that sister of mine. Here's what I came up with based on my laptop's open browser tabs. (Speaking of which, Tiho wants to design me a t-shirt displaying my personal catchphrase: "Don't close my tabs!" (No, but seriously, never ever close my tabs).

ONE: My favorite perfume. I've been out for over six months and haven't gotten around to reordering.
TWO: The Hat Book. A collection of images by one of my all-time favorite photographers.
THREE: A yellow coffee/tea pot. Because it's super duper cute.
FOUR: Leather Stud Wallet. Simple, classic, stylish, & well-made. (I'd use this for years).
FIVE: Vintage Kaj Franck Heart Bowl. Dream collector's item (aka, always on my ultimate wish list).
SIX: Original Lulie Wallace Art Print. This would be a lovely addition to my collection.
SEVEN: Little Flower Cookbook. I love the name. And the recipes sound delicious.
EIGHT: Chemex 6-Cup Glass Coffee Maker. How is it possible I don't already own this?
NINE: Gradiated Striped Rug, size 9x12. Unbeatable price for the quality & size.
TEN: Clybourn Loft Chair. Two words: green velvet.

For The Shutterbug

I couldn't resist putting together a photo-themed gift guide (even though this hilarious post portrays exactly how I feel about gift guide mania). It would thrill me to receive any of the ten items included here. Perhaps it will inspire a purchase for the snap-happy person in your life.

Olivier Camera Figurine / Hand-stitched Leather Camera Strap / Personalized Pillow Case / Photo-opoly Game / Colorful Wide Angle Camera / Gorilla Pod Flexible Tripod / Palma Leather Camera Satchel / Watercolor Giclee Art Print / Lazy oaf Camera Tote Bag / The New York Times Magazine Book of Photographs

Things I like, V.12 (Birthday Wish List Edition)

My birthday is less than two weeks away and while I certainly don't need much, it's always fun to round up a few things I've been ogling (several of these items have been on my list for months; # 2, 3, & 6 were even blogged about previously).

1). I would love to add to my Le Creuset collection. Currently I own one "mini oval coquette" (essentially, a lidded ramekin). This 12-piece bakeware set from Williams Sonoma is both beautiful and functional. $199

2). I've been wanting this edition of F.Scott Fitzgerald's short stories ever since Penguin Hardback Classics first released it with Coralie Bickford Smith's gorgeous cover design. $16

3). Big plans a brewin' for this oversized Paris Graffiti Kiss art print from The Paris Print Shop. I'm picturing it on display in our bedroom and framed in gold. 16x20 - $75

4). I don't currently have a travel case for my macbook air, but this one from Kate Spade caught my eye. You can't go wrong with black & white polka dots. Classic and fun. $60

5). Last week, both our coffee grinder and Keurig machine broke. I use the Keurig more during the school year when I need something quick in the mornings before work, but now I'm thinking it's time for a fancier upgrade. This cappuccino/espresso maker is (relatively) inexpensive as far as these things go and seems like a nice starter model. $75

6). Ah, the Pendleton Wool Throw. I will own this someday. It's a design staple, and the colors make me so happy. Plus, I know it would get constant use. $138

Thanks for humoring my indulgent little wish list!

On My Bookshelf

Read any great books lately? This is the content of my current nightstand stack. I'm hoping to plow through them all within the next month or so: I'm eager to honor my commitment of reading an actual book for an uninterrupted hour (or two) each day. I started Gone Girl yesterday and cannot put it down.

Anything else you'd recommend? I need to start compiling my fall reading list to help make my September commute a little less...bemoaning.

Things I Like, V.11

It's Friday again? The days feel as though they are melting into one another. I've been busy working on a brand-new venture that I'm almost ready to share with you. Until then, here's a handful of happy-makers to welcome the weekend.

Got any big plans? I'm hoping to make a few messes in the kitchen and play with my new lens. Also, happiest birthday wishes (tomorrow) to my fantabulous sister, Emmie bean. Hay girl haaaay! (Those candles are here in your honor).

1). Gold Spoon; 2). Book; 3). Scarf; 4). Art Print; 5). Measuring Cups; 6). Sunglasses; 7). Candles

Light & Bright

I thoroughly enjoy sitting near the window and watching the early evening light play off the colors in my living room.

Speaking of color, Nichole's book is just beyond.

Love Is...

All true. From Charles M. Schulz's 1965 out-of-print gem, Love is Walking Hand in Hand featuring the Peanuts gang. This makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. Snoopy!

(Found via Brain Pickings).

Things I Like, V. 7

A few recent bookmarks and a few that I've been eyeing* for months (ahem ahem, that Pendleton blanket).

1). Striped Pitcher (no longer available); 2). Botanical Postcard; 3). Pendleton Wool Throw;
4). Leatherbound Classics Collection; 5). Quote by Henry Miller via Stitch & Hammer; 6). Sage Green Chaise Lounge

*It took me a couple of minutes to figure out the proper spelling of this word.  Removing the second "e" seemed like the right thing to do but then "eying" looked weird and incomplete. Turns out, both "eyeing" and "eying" are accepted spelling variations of the word. Random fact of the day.

Scenes From The Weekend

This spring has a particularly ambrosial quality to it. It makes me want to use words like "dazzling," "enchantment" and "rapturous." I spent the majority of my weekend outdoors because of it.

We rose early on Saturday in order to attend to errands; the capstone being the retrieval of my bicycle! Tiho ended up buying a bike, too: he test-rode it around the shop as I laboriously decided on a helmet. The chosen one has red and white polka dots. It's so spunky.

After calming myself down from all of the excitement that stemmed from attaching a bike rack to the back of the car, we met close friends for a late lunch and then headed into the city together to see A Prairie Home Companion at The Town Hall theater. Oh you guys! It was all kinds of amazing. I can't even describe it.

Following the show, we walked several blocks downtown to get drinks at the high-end restaurant where my sister works. She surprised us with this delicious monstrosity to which we consumed with gusto before leaving in search of late-night greasy pub food. I dozed on the train ride home feeling both deliriously happy and moderately tipsy.

On Sunday, we took the bikes out for a spin and then undertook a massive de-cluttering of our front closet in order to give them a proper home. The rest of the day found me poring over this beautiful book, wandering aimlessly, dyeing eggs (the Bulgarian/Eastern Orthodox Easter festivities occurred this past weekend) and baking a tragic batch of lemon squares.

Suddenly, it's Monday and I'm so not ready for it. But, all is well, because the windows are flung open and there's lemonade and berries in the refrigerator.

Hope it's gorgeous where you are.

P.S. Clearly, I did a bad job capturing the aforementioned events of the weekend, so these photos depicting flowers and trees will have to suffice. I did take them all over the course of the weekend though, including that one of strawberry-frosted mini wheats (so good!).

Just Start

I'm reading this book and it is changing my life. The words she writes and the way she writes them make me want to write all of the things I am afraid to write.

My dad is one of the best and most honest writers I know. He sent me this postcard recently. When it first arrived, I read it over and over and over again while standing in the middle my living room.

I want to be the best version of myself; the version he describes so vividly in two sentences. A better friend, teacher, wife, sister, daughter, writer, listener, giver. A better person.

I want to be better at so many things.

I won't get better at anything if I don't begin with something.

Turning better into best takes time. I just need to start.

*When I was a child, my dad and I used to read Miss Rumphius together before bed. It has always been, and will always be, my favorite book and greatest inspiration on how to live this life.

Such a Marvelous Way

Vera Neumann is my idol. Have I ever mentioned I'm an avid collector of her textiles? Cloth napkins are my weakness, and you can frequently find me browsing Etsy, Ebay and flea markets for her iconic silk scarves. I like to believe we would have been friends. Recently, I've taken to spending the last fifteen minutes or so before bed leafing through this gorgeous book.  I haven't any proof, but I'm fairly certain doing so makes my dreams brighter.

Joyeux Noel (Plus A Few Blinks!)

This image makes me absurdly happy. (photo by Leela Cyd Ross)

These Books of Art by Isaac Salazar are pretty incredible. (via Swiss Miss)

This Morning Frost Meadow print by Anna Emilia reminds me of the months ahead and how beautiful they can be.

Feeling all kinds of love for this cute-as-a-button Swedish children's shop, Little Studio.

Next year, I'm going to make this beautiful doily light garland.

I agree. (via Brain Pickings)

Mesmerized by these botanical studies from Frances Pelzman Liscio's portfolio.

I saw these in person at West Elm yesterday and had a difficult time resisting the impulse purchase.

 How to make gingerbread cameras.

60 tiny love stories--reading these made me cry. (via Brandi)

Happy, happy, merry merry! It's somewhat mind-boggling to me that Christmas is actually here, and with it, the end of another year. It's been a good while since I compiled a quality list of blinks: hope you enjoy the random stuff that's piqued my interest recently. Peace and love to all.

I leave you with a quote from Hugo. It gave me chills in the theater earlier this week and I find it apropos to the spirit of the holiday: "I address you as you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers, and magicians. You are the true dreamers."