Latest Obsessions

*Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Wonderful story. This book jumped out
to me from the stacks at The Strand and I'm
so glad it did.














*This bathing suit. Asymmetrical
tops have always been a favorite of mine.













*Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
I really can't get enough of this recipe,
for a quick version I use ground beef and
just dump the marinade in and cook it down.
It's wildly delicious and easy to make.

*Rosemary & Thyme
Another British mystery show to add to my list.
Here is the IMDB description: "Set amongst the stunning 
gardens of Europe, Rosemary Boxer and Laura Thyme, 
two professional gardeners, find themselves drawn 
into solving mysterious crimes."  It's streaming
on Netflix right now.

*“I know that I’m not the easiest person to live with. 
The challenge I put on myself is so great that the person 
I live with feels himself challenged. I bring a lot to bear, 
and I don’t know how not to.”
– Maya Angelou

This quote hits home, but I don't want it to.

So much I want to improve about myself.

Brick by brick. Step by Step

Oh So Quiet.

It's quiet in my house. I'm completely alone.

I'm always amazed by what can get done
in 1hr when you don't have a baby to care for.

It's nice to visit this every once in awhile and to
deeply appreciate a quiet morning.

But I'll welcome the chaos with open arms when it
returns.

Latest Obsessions

*Over the Garden Wall
If you haven't watched this yet, I highly encourage it.
One of the sweetest things I've seen in awhile.
I'm very obsessed with  Greg and his frog.

*Thinx 
I saw the ads, watched the videos, and finally decided to
pull the trigger and order myself a pair.  In a nutshell,
Thinx=underwear that eliminates the need for pads/tampons.
I wore mine and I can honestly say that they rock.
I will be ordering multiple pairs in the very near future,
and a bonus of buying Thinx is that, not only are you helping
to shake up the billion dollar pad/tampon industry but you are
also helping young girls in Africa (watch the video for more info)
What more can I say? It's a good product, made by women,
that helps others.

*Having a Toddler
Everyone seemed to say " oh just wait 'til he is walking,
it gets so much harder!"  But you know what? I love it.
I love that he can understand what I'm saying, and follow
simple directions. Being able to communicate is huge
and I'm loving every minute of it- and he can't even talk yet!
This little person brings so much joy to my life, sometimes
I feel like I might just explode.

*Gougeres
The joy of cheese puffs can be had by all.
This recipe is so easy and you can pretty much
use what you have lying around. I had a sharp cheddar
that we got from the market and it was perfect.
Make them. Make them now.
You're Welcome.

*"Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives
 when we are paying attention: mangoes, 
grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often 
when we have as little expectation as possible. 
If you say, “Well, that’s pretty much what I thought 
I’d see,” you are in trouble. At that point you have to 
ask yourself why you are even here. 
Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives 
all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. 
We just have to be open for business."
-Anne Lamott

*100 Famous Artists and their Studios
I think if I had a studio space I'd want it
to look like Picasso's but it would end up
more like Francis Bacon's.

Birth.Day

This time last year I was in active labor, 

and 12 hours  later at 10am on March 9th, 2015 

our sweet baby would make his entrance 

into this world.

Giving birth was the most primal experience

I've ever had- and possibly will ever have.

I'm proud of my Mama strength, and even more

thankful that I had the birth that I wanted.

I will never forget looking into the husband's 

eyes as I held our baby, it was a bigger love

than I had ever felt before.  The amazing thing is 

that the love continues to grow, in so many ways.

Now we have a funny little one year old, who has

an unusual amount of physical strength, a kind heart 

towards animals, an insatiable appetite, a watchful eye

and mischevious curiosity, and a mean case of crazy arms.

Happy Birth.Day to our sweet baby boy.

Latest Obsessions

* nursing and cursing  
An awesome podcast made for and by
Mamas who speak the truth about motherhood.

* "For years, copying other people, 
I tried to know myself. 
From within, I couldn't decide what to do.
Unable to see, I heard my name being called.
Then I walked outside"- Rumi, Furuzanfar #77

*Unknown Origins and Untimely Ends
Such a fun read. Unsolved Mysteries and weird
tales told in a graphic novel.  Highly recommended,
my only gripe is that I wish it was longer.

*Watching Fudge learn
Seeing this tiny human grow has been intense
and awe-inspiring.  At 10 months, he is constantly
changing and learning things.  He can pick up his
cup and drink from it, eat with his hands, give
kisses and occasionally hugs, babble about who knows
what, and flip through his books.  He's a smart
little dude.

* This article 
This country fails miserably when it comes to helping
families/new mothers/working mothers.

A New Year

It finally feels like my feet are back on

the ground (well, mostly). Life with baby 

has begun to fall into place, and I feel

like I know who I am again. Things are still

hard,  caring for a tiny human is still frustrating 

at times. But there are some good rewards. 

Kisses and hugs, snuggles and smiles. All 

make everything alright.

Many changes still lie ahead but I'm OK with that.

I feel better equipped to deal with them now.

2015 was a roller coaster, I'm ready for 2016 to

be a little less crazy.

I never get crazy with the resolutions but

here are my hopes for the new year.

*I want to stay in the present. always.

This is hard to do, but somehow having 

a child has made it easier.

*To be a good mother. In hopes that the fudge

will feel about me the way I feel about my parents.

*I hope to become more patient. Does

this happen? I have no idea. But I'm going

to channel the calm energy of my mother

and hope for the best.

*To continue to let my heart bleed.  Appreciating

those closest and letting them know how loved 

they are. Taking the time to call/text/write when I'm

thinking of someone.  Always letting love show.

*To appreciate little moments, take deep breaths, 

savor my cappuccinos, kiss this baby, kiss this husband, 

dig my toes into the sand as often as possible, and

spend time with family and friends.

I'd also love to get some exercise in... but we'll see.

Hoping that 2016 is wonderful for anyone that reads this xo

Thankful.

I'm so thankful for this little goose, who has both
enriched our lives and created chaos at the same time.

For my husband who, for what ever reason, continues to
love me without abandon. I am so grateful for him,
 his sense of humor, and devotion to our family.

For family that helps us out and supports us when we need it
(which is always!) Words barely do it justice- but everything is
appreciated, from the words of wisdom and supplies of pork roll
to the (constant) babysitting.

For friends, new and old. Thankful to be on this Mama journey
with a few of you, and thankful for the friends who have
been there for support. All the food, hugs, drinks, wisdom,
bubble baths, and listening are so appreciated.

For good wine and food, and great folks to share it with.

For the natural beauty that exists within New York and for all
of my favorite places.

For foamy cappuccinos, morning snuggles,
sequins, lunges, art, dark chocolate, black squirrels,
pugs, massages, and quiet moments.

For love.

Wishing everyone who takes the time to read this
a very Happy Thanksgiving.