This is a fun little magazine, with a Web site too! Sort of a mix between Cookie and Domino, but of course with most of the emphasis on clothing/fashion. I'm digging it though. It's super cute and there's a huge void out there since Cookie folded. Now if they would just throw family-friendly-travel into the mix, I might be all set.
I was the lucky recipient of some super cool and very decadent winter workout wear from Lululemon for Christmas. I'm so lucky and love it all!
Also discovered that there's an outlet at Woodbury Commons. Conveniently located right off the Thruway and perfect for a quick stop on the return from Vermont. Of course stopping there is serious torture for Jim and he immediately turns into the biggest grump on the planet, so next trip there will have to be solo. Then again, do any men really enjoy shopping?
One other item on the shopping front - JCrew has added CrewCuts to some of their outlets, finally!
In the back of my mind, I'm thinking if I knit sweaters and scarves, the weather will finally cool off! No such luck so far.
I've been flying solo for the past week and a half. Jim's been on a business trip to India and Australia. and isn't due back until the end of the week In some ways it's easier with him gone, in some ways not so easy. We've been lucky in that friends in the neighborhood have been walking Sadie every morning, making it much, much easier for me. We owe them big time!
I dragged a friend to a sample sale yesterday at the Soho House for Anais & I. Not such a great sample sale, but the clothing was beautiful. And basically all the patterns fare from one of the Japanese pattern book. Funny thing was that I had been looking at the patterns the night before, so they were fresh in my mind (probably why I recognized them so quickly!) I love that I can't read a lick of Japanese, yet when I see the garment, I seem to know exactly where the pattern came from. Can that turned into some sort of job/career?
So, onto a few knits I've actually finished, although the color is slightly off.
Pattern: b14-16 Hat, scarf and mittens in Alpaca by DROPS design
Yarn: 1 skein, Plymouth Suri Merino (so soft and squishy!)
Needles: Circular, size 7
Size: will fit a 5 year old neck, I went for the largest size in the pattern
Notes: quick knit if you're looking for a last minute gift for a young friend
I did finish the Easy Baby Cardigan from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts, but am having some problems photographing it. Will post soon.
Starting to decorate a bit for the fall on the outside of the house. I'm stealing this idea from another house in the neighborhood from a few years ago. I love the simplicity of it. I have them arranged on our Parlor level windows and one window on our ground floor where the sill is exposed.
This site rocks - reuseit.com. I've been on a quest for the past few years to elimate plastic bags and the need for disposable groccery bags from my life. In general I've been pretty successful, although I am still dependent on the ziplock bags (can't seem to shake that one.) Anyway, love that this site brings it all together. A few of my faves from the site...
Photos: Reuseit.com
We're slowly getting back into the school routine and after school activities are starting for Chloe this week. Fingers are crossed that this time around she does well with ballet, as she specifically requested taking it again.
I'm still trying to dig out from being away from home so much this summer. Not sure if it's having two girls, but I feel like I'm drowning in the clothing. The switching of seasons, the saving Chloe's clothes for Phoebe. Then trying to figure out the clothing that Phoebe has outgrown. What goes to the Red Cross/Salvation Army, what can be sold at a consignment shop, and what can be passed on to friends. Phew, makes me tired just thinking about it. Our guest room looks like a bomb went off. Hopefully I can get on top of this one soon.
I had a job interview two weeks ago, but haven't heard boo. I was really excited about it, but the more time that goes by the more I question whether or not I want a full time job with a large company. We'll see what happens.
Here's the first day of school shot - she picked out the flowers and wanted to bring them into the classroom.
I snapped this book up last week - lots of cute patterns. Hoping this will bring my knitting 'mojo' back.
I've gone back and forth on this for the past year, but I'm making the leap. I assume I won't give up on actual books, but I thought this might help to tune down my clutter. Annoying thing is that I ordered it two weeks ago and it's not shipping until September 20th. Although they were kind enough to ship the case, so I get to stare at the empty case for a few weeks. I went for the $189 version.
Will I ever learn?! Almost finished and I'm outta yarn. Duh. And this sweater is the one that I ordered about 4 different skeins and the colors never matched until my final try.
My Mother's Day present arrived and I couldn't be happier. These seem to be very trendy right now and I've hopped on the band wagon. This one is from The Vintage Pearl.
And then, hop on over to Apartment Therapy - last year I submitted our back garden for the 'My Great Outdoors 2009.' I never heard anything from them and kind of forgot about it until yesterday. I was catching up and noticed that they had actually posted it last June. Fun little surprise on a steamy Sunday afternoon.
Today I finally planted my little vertical garden! My fabulous FIL built the frame along with the netting, etc. Basically it looks exactly like this one over at Sunset Magazine. I followed their directions as well. There are still some spots to fill in and I wish I had more variety of succulents in it, but it's good as a starter. I have another much larger frame waiting for me at my in-laws (about 2x4') this one is about the size of a small shoebox.
Every year I search and search for the perfect hat. I have been blessed with that freckly skin that's cute as a kid, but as you age all it reveals is sun damage. So, in my attempt to slow the aging process I'm always in search of the perfect hat. Usually I end up with the cheap $10 hat that lasts the season, but this year I thought I would upgrade. It arrived today and it's great. Fits well, appears sturdy and will hopefully last for a few years, fingers crossed. You can get one for yourself over at Athleta, although it looks like the natural color is sold out.
This little modular modern dollhouse looks like such fun! Would make a great gift for a preschooler in your life. It includes: 6 nesting boxes, 8 mix-and-match furniture pieces, and 12 removable vinyl clings. The family includes vinyl cling clothes. Check them both out at the MoMa Store.
Chloe had a few days off at the end of last week and we ran around like crazy! Birthday party, dentist appointment, art class, teacher conference and we managed to squeeze in a trip to the New York Botanical Garden. I love it there and wanted to squeeze in a trip while I was still mobile.
Yesterday was my surgery which went off well. Now I'm a bit bedridden for a few days, but lucky for us my Mom agreed to come and help out with the little ladies. I thought I had someone lined up to help me out once she leaves, but that fell through and now I'm scrambling at bit, but think I have it sorted out. So for now I'm laying in bed, reading the Omnivore's Dilemma and trying to catch up on some magazine reading while attached to some weird leg mobility and ice machine. Good times!
After being so excited about Liberty at Target, I must admit I was a bit disappointed. At least with the women's clothing - although I bought a shirt, dress, and nightie. I think the shirt is going back. Just wasn't thrilled with the cuts, but that's just my own personal taste.
BUT, the little girl's clothing was adorable. I think my fave was the bikini with the little flowers on the top. Just SO cute! And the price is right at $11.99.
One thing I did not see were the housewares. Not sure if they were sold out or just slow in getting them on the shelves. I do like the pillows, but haven't seen them up close.