The Time I Accidentally Turned Myself in to a Brunette.

Sometime around my last birthday, I decided I was in a mood for a change. Yes, I know I just cut all my hair off, but given that I liked it so much, it didn't really feel that much like a change; more like a necessary improvement. I've had the same blondish hair my entire life (except for a year in college when I visited the dark side) and I have been toying with the idea of attempting ombre locks for some time now. I know, I know, some people say this look has come and gone, but I find myself actually liking it more and more as time goes by. I figured that at 34, my time for a more extreme hairstyle is coming close to an end, so better to try it now, instead of wishing I did it a few years from now. Besides, the idea of low root maintenance throughout the Summer was very, very enticing. 

So, I went for it. 

My before blonde.. the same blonde I've had forever. 

The look I was going for, a more subdued ombre. 

I thought I could just lighten my ends, keeping my crown the same, but my hairdresser said we would have to go a little darker. Actually, more than a "little darker" because some of the initial dark would fade out. He then said he wanted to only bleach the ends slightly, in case I hated it, noting that we could always add more later. (As in another appointment.)

You all know where this is going... don't you.

We died my roots darker, pulled the brown through a bit, and with a second process we barely bleached the ends. Technically, my hair is "ombre" but it's a brown with a light brown fade, and not all that noticeable.  I quickly learned you have to be a bit brave when going for this look, and if you aren't ready to commit the first time, you will be making a second appointment. 

Mine is Wednesday.

 My ends most definitely need to be lighter. A lot lighter. But not too light, because that would be "too much." Honestly, the whole thing has me in a tailspin. It could turn out awesome, or I just ruined my hair. We will have to wait until Wednesday afternoon to find out which is which. Until then, there is a lot of baseball cap, ponytail action going on around here. 

Since I have no shame, you all can see for yourself what I am talking about. 

The "after" my dark brownish, light brownish not so ombre, ombre. Here are a few of dozen a selfies that I sent to my sister ALL WEEKEND long, looking for advice. 

(double ombre)

(not ombre + after skate helmet hair)

There you have it. If you are going to go ombre, you can't be a chicken. I am hopeful that I am going to love the end result (at this point it's not like I have a choice... right?) I think with the top fading a bit, and the ends lightened, I will have the exact look I wanted. Whether I can pull it off, is a different story entirely. 

... stay tuned. 

P.S. I have to note that my bestie M, told me this was not my greatest idea. I know, M, I know... there may be some need for drinks Wednesday night! Eek. 

Weekend Links.

Well, hello there, amazing leaf blazer... what are you doing in my closet? I thought you were on a no shopping challenge??? Okay, okay, I had a little slip in my year long challenge. *Technically* it doesn't count since I returned something from my birthday for credit... but I can't lie to you all, so there it is. 6 months was a good run, and I'm fully committing to the next 6. Some things just are just too good to pass up, you know? 

Other than hanging my head in broken shopping challenge shame, we don't have a lot planned for the weekend. I think skater mom might make and appearance in New Hampshire tomorrow, so if you hear an ambulance whizzing by you, be sure to look for me ;).  Sunday, I am going to take the boys to the museum of Natural History, and the LM is really looking forward to a play date at his new school in the afternoon. The weather around here is expected to be perfectly "Spring like" so I hope to be outside most of the time, soaking up as much sun as one New Englander can... in May.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans may be. If you are in a bloggie mood, here are some fun links from around the web! See you all Monday!

I am addicted to this song. Is FUN the Queen of our generation? I sure hope so!

Speaking of silk blouses, I can't believe I forgot Everlane!!!! I'll take one in every color please!

We will pretty much take our kids anywhere, but are a little skiddish when it comes to major cities. This guide to Paris with kids, has me re-thinking this. Let's be honest... I just want to go back to Paris!!!!

Do not mistake monotony for boredom. This is right on. 

As the least photogenic person on the planet, I read every word of this... twice!

So true! A big, "I'm sorry" goes out to any person who has ever called me since the birth of the LM. 

A great DIY tutorial. I'm questioning whether I am this crafty. 

I happen to be a great braider (which came in handy, given that I have three younger sisters.) This may be my go to for Summer. 

I am dying to do dots on one wall in our living room. I can't decide if I should stamp or use decals. Hmmmmmmmm.

All week long, I have been craving key lime pie. I think I will make one, trying out this recipe!

This bathroom is EVERYTHING.

Finally, a great article about the future of Private Schools. I think this is probably true, in all places except Boston, NYC,  and San Francisco. 

Elizabeth Street Comes To Boston!!!!

 Since its inception, I have been a huge fan of Elizabeth Street. Huge. So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that they were going to be expanding to my beloved city, Boston, and I was more than honored when I was asked to be part of their moms section! I can't give enough praise for their site and if you haven't heard of them before, you are in for a real treat!

 Elizabeth Street  is billed as the ultimate online destination for stylish moms around the world, that profiles a dynamic list of tastemakers who share their personal tips on the best there is for families in the area, and as an avid reader, I can't even begin to tell you just how useful their website is. This information is presented in an array of forms on the site, from a daily street style diary to the perfect weekend itinerary to alternative day trip ideas. I can't tell you the number of times, before any trip, that I  have first gone to the city and neighborhood where each mother lives to see their picks for where to eat, shop, and find "must sees" for the kids. I've found this to be such great resource, because you are getting advice from people who actually live in each area, rather than from someone trying to promote a an establishment for opportunity. 

I am always getting emails regarding what to see and do when visiting Boston, and I am so thrilled that everyone can now get advice, from a variety of women who live here! The Boston section is launching with select local representatives including Hadley Douglas, Julie Starr-Wood, Lisa Pierpont, Alli Achtmeyer, Moi ;)... and many more. New profiles are added regularly, so make sure to check back often! 

Below is clip of my profile. You can see the entire Boston moms section here. 

A big Boston welcome to Elizabeth Street! You couldn't have picked a better city! I know, I know, I'm a little biased! ;)

The Teacher and The Student.

 In my attempt to stay relevant to my little skate rats, you all know that I have decided to take up skateboarding. I quickly have learned that 1) my kid makes it look easy, 2) it is really hard, and 3) grown women look really really awkward when they are learning. I discovered the last one by looking at videos that the LM loves to take of me, to show me how proud he is my effort. You all are about to learn number three, for yourselves, and all I ask, is that when you see me around town, that you don't laugh at me... for too long ;). My skate career seems to just be beginning, because the LM loves skating with "skater mom" so much, I swear I will do this as long as he will let me, or until I break something. 

Here is the teacher.

... and his goofy student.

Those videos were taken a few weeks ago, and since then, the LM has again progressed with his skating. This video is from last weekend.

I tell you what, I'm afraid to see what this kid will attempt when he's 6! All I can say, is that I am NEVER trying that!

Flora and Fauna.

 Lately I've found myself drawn to the same images, of the same rooms, over and over (and over and over and over...) While the spaces share a similar design aesthetic, the only common denominator (aside from a fair amount of pattern and texture) is the incredible greenery that each room share. 

I don't know about you, but I've always been a bit afraid of houseplants, given my black thumb, and I figured that if a plant is hard to keep alive, then what am I going to do to an actual tree? Also, I figured that these tree /plants were probably very expensive, and that you could only have them in a space where you have direct sunlight (which we don't.) After giving myself a pep talk that if I can take care of, and keep alive, two feral children, and their rodents, then I should have no problem taking care of a plant. Last night, the kids and I drove over to our local garden center and just "look" and we quickly fell in love with a tree that the LM dubbed "Molly." Turns out Molly was not expensive (a mere 40 dollars), nor is she difficult to maintain. She needs to be watered once a week, and doesn't need direct sunlight. 

Who knew?

Behold our new addition.

Last night the kids and I came home and re-potted her, and she found herself at home in this basket in our living room. I am amazed at the amount of life she brings in to the whole room, and you can really see her from every angle in our first floor living space. It really is a remarkable difference, and for the price you can't beat it. I've recently ordered a new souk rug for under the dining room table, and I can't wait to share the final result with you in a few weeks. Some of our friends may notice the new white drapes in the corner. After hating our drapery since the day we moved in, I finally decided to do something about it. Our ceilings are incredibly high, which makes things like this excruciatingly painful to switch out. I found these inexpensive panels, and had two sewn together at our local dry cleaners, for a fraction of the cost of one new panel, we had new drapery for the room! Now, with the addition of Ms. Molly, the whole area is so light and airy, and I'm left wondering... what was I so afraid of? 

Are you like me? Are you a plant phobic? I'll be sure to let you all know how the old girl fares!

Big Boy Bathroom Makeover. *success*

I finally received all the missing pieces for the boy's bathroom makeover, and I could not be happier with the final outcome. You all have heard me say over, and over, how much I hated that bathroom, and now it is one of my favorite rooms in our house. The Little Man loves it, and when people come over, the first thing he does is ask if they want to see his bathroom! This is a very good thing, considering that the two boys will probably be sharing this space, for at least the next 5 years.

Here is the before (gah.) 

And the after!

* a perfect motto for potty training, don't you agree ;)

A few days back I found this bath mat from this seller on esty, and as soon at it arrives, I can finally say this room is done! 

 What do you think? Such an improvement, right?   

P.S. The link for the bumblebee tutorial can be found here. 

Weekend Links.

Thursday, I turned 34. Friday, I woke up with some bubonic like plague that has left me feeling like I am 104. Strangely enough, this didn't come from the kids, and I'm convinced I have some weird flu strain that wasn't covered by my flu shot this year. Whatever it is, it sucks, and I've been unable to post the last few days, because that would entail opening my eyes, and taking off one of the 10,000 layers that I am currently wearing to keep me from freezing to death. Man, this sucks. I can't complain too much, my husband was already slated to have the kids this morning, so I could attend a 90 minute yoga class, and get a mani/pedi, both of which I quickly traded in for a cup of tea and my pillow. 

I hope you all had a much more pleasant Mother's day, whether you are a mother yourself, or celebrating your own mother. I think I'm turning the corner with this illness, and will back to regular posting tomorrow. If I'm not send help... and tea, lots and lots of tea!

Here are a few fun links from around the web, enjoy!

I am still holding strong in my no shopping challenge, but this blazer is making things very, very, very hard. I may have to put some of my birthday dough to good use. 

For my birthday, my sister made me this cake. It wasn't easy, nor was it cheap, but damn it was good. 

This is my new go to for when you are feeling sick. We had it Friday night, and for a moment I felt better. It tastes like the ramen from college, only way WAY healthier. 

When I go to the hairdresser this week, I'm sticking with my cut, but will be attempting a subtle ombre like this. Wish me luck. Oh, and yes, I'm still LOVING my short hair. Hands down, best decision ever. 

I keep seeing these shoes on some of the most stylish women on the Internet. I'm kind of obsessed. 

I kind of dig this manicure. 

A great twist on the selfie... better because you don't have to think about when you last washed your hair!

I'm hoping the fact that I don't have girls, means I can skip this conversation. I remember having with my sisters over and over, and even then I was shocked at how oversexualized the clothing was, that was being marketed to their very young age group. 

Truth.

This sweatshirt is incredible. The LM and I are almost done with book 1!

The most popular baby names of 2012. I'm shocked to find the LM came in at #6... it seemed much more original 6 years ago! Oh, and his full "real" name is #5. Oops. 

What this family is doing with their grief, is so beautiful. It's a shame congress let all of us down. 

Oh, and the poster above. Yes that is what I look like right now, and my husband is so afraid of getting whatever I have, he's taken up residence in the LM's room. It's kind of sad that this may be the closest I ever get to looking like Gwyneth. ;)

Happy Sunday.

Wardrobe Essentials: Save, Crave, Investment #3

A few years back, I had a come to jesus moment when it came to my every day wardrobe. I found that my typical uniform consisted of jeans, a (nice) t-shirt, and a blazer or a cardigan. The thing was, I started to find that the basic T-shirts that I was buying, were getting more and more expensive, and they were so thin that they wouldn't really hold up after only a few wears. Yes, I'm talking about those annoying holes that you inevitably get around your pants button the second that you put your shirt on.

I was always adverse to silk blouses, because I thought that they were only for special occasion wear. But, the fact is, a good blouse can be worn with everything from boyfriend jeans, to a pencil skirt, to a ball gown and they aren't that much more than a nice cotton shirt. The bonus is, they will last forever! Seriously, I'm always bummed that I can't get another, because the ones I've owned for years still look brand new. A lot of them are even washable, and nothing ads a touch of instant glamour to any outfit like a beautiful silk blouse. Right now, I am loving anything and everything that is emerald and blush, and after seeing this inspiration, you will see why. 

Hands down, there is no other blouse out there that beats the quality and cut that the company Equipment produces. Not only are they crave worthy, but they will last a lifetime. I don't own one piece of clothing that I wear more than my one in blush/ peach, and I love the simplicity that it brings to any look. While not the same quality, the save versions fit the bill and are 10,000 times better than any T-shirt out there! (No holes included ;)

source 1/ source 2

source 1/ source 2

Help! Barcelona Tips Needed!

source

 My husband travels globally, quite a bit for work, and sometimes I am lucky enough to join him. I think he used to dread having me in tow, thinking it would take away from what he actually needed to get done, but over our last couple of trips, I guess that I have proven myself, because now the man prefers to have me come along! I know for a fact, this has nothing to do with my sunny demeanor, but rather, my obsessiveness over creating a memorable trip, and the tables have turned, and he actually gets disappointed when I can't join him. Read: I find awesome restaurants, and good hotels, stay out of his way, and force him to leave his hotel. You know, actually travel!

We were both slated to go to Barcelona in June, and were considering taking the LM, but now the trip was cut to down to only three days, and we didn't feel it would really be worth the trouble to both leave the boys for such a short period of time. So, I'm staying behind, and yet, I've still been given the task of planning out the perfect trip. A trip that I won't get to experience. This time. 

I know very little about the city, so I would most definitely appreciate any advice you all have. I'm just looking for a few amazing restaurants, and a great boutique style hotel near the convention center. Any and all unique dining experiences would also be divine. I don't have much to give in return, but I will post down below, some of the finds from our last few trips. I'm working on a post about where we go in Costa Rica, for those of you who have asked, and I'm hoping to have it up next week. 

Any advice you have will be put to great use! 

Heading to Paris, New Orleans, or New York? Click the city to find out what I recommend!