Hello and Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my new and improved site!  For those of you doing a second take, yes it's still me Robin, aka Diary of a Yummy Mummy and you are definitely in the right place!

After almost 7 years of blogging (!!!) I felt like it was time for this space to better reflect where I am at this point in my life, and as much as I loved being Yummy Mummy the truth is most days I felt a lot more mummy, than yummy.  I started this blog on a whim in 2008, as a way to stay connected to my friends and family members after the birth of our little man, and at the time I had no idea where this online journey would take me.  Here I am, no longer the mother to an infant, but rather the mother of two big boys, and even though it's been temping to walk away over the years, I just can't quit this space (said in a Brokeback Mountain voice.)  Everything will stay business as usual around here, and I even have a few fun projects in the pipeline that I'll be sharing in the new few months! This new redesign signifies my renewed commitment to this blog, and I'm looking forward to sharing more of our life over the coming years. 

I wanted to thank all of you for reading over the years, and for your continued support and comments.  I'm really excited about this next chapter and hope you will continue to follow along! 

Weekend Links

 

Happy Friday!  What are you all up to this weekend?  Our winter weekends have started to fall in to the same routine, and I have to say that I'm loving it.  On Saturdays, I take the LM skiing while Gray stays home with Daddy, and on Sunday I take the boys with me to yoga (my gym has a great daycare) and then as a reward we do something super fun in the afternoon (like Legoland, or the movies, or an indoor playground.)  It's been working great for everyone, except my husband has been looking for something fun to do with them while still being able to recover from his surgery.  This weekend we are starting "donuts with dad," which means he is in charge of getting them out the door and to the Dunkin Donuts a few blocks away.   My goal is to stay in bed the entire time... let's see if that actually happens.  I'm really hoping this becomes a thing because, man, that would be awesome.

I hope whatever your plans are that you are able to get some time to relax in.  Here are a few fun links that caught my eye, all Sunday morning in bed approved!!! xoxo

15 reasons to visit Ikea in February. 

The ultimate guide for cleaning our your closet courtesy of Vogue. 

I've been thinking so much about "meaning" since reading this article.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Warby Parker's new Spring line is out!  I'm loving the gold!!!!!

Adorable yoga mats.  

A list of the top interior trends of 2015. 

I keep hearing about icing as being the new skin craze.  This is one that I can definitely get on board with since all it entails is taking a piece of ice, wrapping it in a cloth, and rubbing it all over your face in the morning.  Apparently, Kate Moss is a fan, which reason enough for me to give it a go.  Well, that and it's free!!!

When real life doesn't look like a lifestyle blog.  I took this one to heart and left the house without making beds today, which is something I NEVER do.  The world didn't fall apart and we made it to school on time without rushing.  Mind blown.

The debate is settled, the best way to load a dishwasher.  Done and done. 

I'm more than halfway though my 35th year of life, and this quote really resonated with me.  I have a tendency to dwell and sometimes I will still beat myself up for things I said or did in high school or college!  Lately, I've noticed I've been doing it so much less and sometimes not at all.  I can't even begin to tell you how good it feels to leave it all behind. s

Taco Bell?  I've always thought of Gwyneth as more of a Rubio's fish tacos kind of girl.  It's nice to see her acting a little more human.  Oh, and sweatpants for the win!

How to outsource your life.  I loved this is list and will never ever go to the post office again. 

The new trailer for the next installment of House of Cards is out and I can hardly make it though without rewinding.  I'm SO excited, the whole "we're survivors" part gives me head to toe chills.  Netflix... there are no words for how much I love you. 

Finally, I'm really taking a break from shopping again this year, but I have been desperate need of some new white jeans, given that my old paid were pretty much yellow from so much wear.  I ordered these and could not be happier.  They are freakishly soft and the cut is perfection.  If you are on the hunt, look no further!

(Photo via this site)

Weekend Links.

 

What are you all up to this cold and snowy weekend?  The LM and I are taking advantage of the weather and will tearing up the slopes tomorrow.  We are both most excited to try out the hand warmers Santa put in our stockings!  Thank you big guy!!!  Tomorrow night, we will be celebrating our anniversary with the boys at our favorite local Korean barbecue joint.  I can't really think of a better way to kick off another year!  I hope whatever your plans are that you stay warm and have a great one!  Here are a few fun links from around the web for those of you in a blog reading mood!  See you next week! xoxo

I cannot get enough of this song. #cantstopwontstop

Who wants another baby?  How likely is it that your birth control could let you down.

I felt this way when I read eat, pray, love.  Like... I want to eat pasta! I want to do yoga all day! I want to "find myself" in Indonesia!  But, wait, can I do it all before my kid gets out of school at noon?  What are those of us who can't run away from life supposed to do?  (I have to admit I'll still see the movie... that's about as far as I can run away in a week ;))

Obsessed with these "mama hen" sweatshirts. 

15 damaging myths about life we should all stop believing.  

What your daily intake of fruits and vegetables should look like.  This one is eye opening!

This insane vending machine would help!

Style icons when they were young! Oh, and my new inspiration; when Joan Didion broke the internet. 

I'm kind of excited to try this tomorrow.  Yes, that's that sound of me jumping on the bandwagon. 

My husband has started meditating daily and I can see it really making a difference, which has inspired me to do it myself more throughout the week . This piece is so interesting.  I love the idea of being more mindful in my daily routine. 

Love these simple lego inspired snowflakes! 

On the lost art of free time. 

I want everything in Rayma's closet! 

In honor of our ten year anniversary, why it's okay to sometimes hate your spouse. ;)

Finally, thinking of all of you in Paris tonight.  It's devastating to see so much darkness in the most amazing city on Earth.  This video took my breath away and is a great reminder of the beauty within. Also, a perfect and powerful message, break one and thousands will rise. 

New Year, New Resolve.

 About a week before Christmas, I found myself stuck behind a garbage truck which would inevitably  make me late to pick up Gray from school (which was a running trend that week) and rather than seeing the situation for what it was, something I had no way to control, I lost my shit.  I began to frantically fumble for my phone, as it if would help, bang the steering wheel, cry, yell... you name it.  I sat there for what seemed like an eternity, letting out a week worth of stress completely ruining my day, all because of a garbage truck.  At the time even I knew it wasn't about the truck.  Earlier in the day my carpenter cancelled on me again, and this time indefinitely.  I had been anxiously waiting for a few days for the answer on where Gray would go to school, and I couldn't get the guy to call me back about the water which kept leaking from our newly installed heater.  I was sick and earlier that morning our Christmas cards had arrived to the house, late, and with our last name misspelled.  Oh, and my carpool was going on day 8 of his illness, which meant double the driving.  None of these things were that big of a deal.  Nothing life shattering, they weren't even the biggest things that we were dealing with at the time, but for some reason the weight of all these little things became too much to contain when that garbage truck stopped me in my tracks.  

After a few minutes of my forced pity party, I had a revelation.  I'd like to think it's all the yoga that I've been focusing on lately, that helped me to be more present in that moment, or maybe I just finally figured myself out, but it turns out that I'm a control freak.  Friends and family members are surely sating to themselves as they read this, "duh," but truly, I just never really saw myself that way.  Impatient? Yes. A perfectionist? Sure.  But control? I never feel like I have the control.  I spend my days guided by the whims of a three year old, how can I ever be the one in control?  But there I was, realizing it for the first time.  All these little stressors, were only stressors because they were things that I couldn't control at that very moment.  I took a step back and really ran through the list of what had been plaguing me and imagined the worst case scenario for all of it.  What if I was stuck behind that truck for ten more minutes? Well, then I'd have to call the school, apologize profusely and wait.  No one would be harmed, my kid was safe, and I'd get there eventually.  Same for everything else... eventually it would all get resolved, and even though it wouldn't be on MY timeline, it would happen.  

This was really eye opening for me. By just taking a step back, I could see every situation for what it was, realizing how much stress my need to control each outcome was adding.  How unnecessary most of my panic was.  It was like the last few years of my life flashed before me, and I could distinctly remember how many moments I've had like this in the past, and how they were all precipitated by the fact that something was happening beyond my control.  I look back to our infertility struggle and see how much added pressure I put on the situation, simply because it was something out of my control.  I saw it all so clearly, all the ways in which I made bad situations worse, and there in that car I made a conscious decision to make a change.  The new year was coming and I knew I didn't want to go in to another year, having the added stress from the one before.  That was about three weeks ago, and I have to say, I have really noticed a difference, simply by just being more aware.  When something happens now, I take a second and think, is this actually bad, or is it just bad because I can't control it.  Taking that time to breathe and assess has done wonders for my mental state, and I feel as though the boys and my husband will be the ones to benefit the most, not having mom freaking out over ever little thing.  It's nice, and I hope it lasts.  To that end I've come up with a few resolutions to bring with me in to the new year. 

1. Recognize that I cannot control everything.  It's too much, and it's not healthy.  In every situation I'm going to really try and see it for what it is.  Imagining the worst, as morbid as it is, really helps me.  When I can see that the worst possible outcome really isn't that bad, I find that I am much better able to be patient in any given situation i.e. not loose my shit.
2. Allow more time for EVERYTHING than I think it will take.  This is a big one for me.  Often I will look at the clock and see I have 40 minutes until pickup and then think, "I absolutely have time to hit the bank, then the dry cleaners, and drive though the pharmacy." "No, NO you don't!!!!" I want to scream at 2014 Robin.  I have a terrible habit of underestimating how long it takes to do anything.  On my grave it should say, "it will only take two minutes." This need to get a million things done is driven by my desire to do them without the kids, clearly, but I need to stop actually running all day long.  Gray is getting bigger now, and can come on more errands than I give him credit for, and just being realistic about how much time it takes to do things, especially in the city, is going to save a lot of stress this year.  You have to leave time for those damn garbage trucks. 
3. This year I also want to make sure that I prioritize myself more.  For the past few years, working out has been my luxury and a priority, and I've used most of my "me" time for that.  I definitely still love it, and don't want to stray too far away from it, but I also want to be able to say some days, f%*k it, I want to see my best friend and do nothing for two hours and not be on some crazy schedule I feel obliged to stick to.  See that, that's called giving up some control.. and it's only January 6th ;).
4. Have fun!  I feel like adult life is so serious, and this past year dealing with my husband's ongoing pain saga has really sucked a lot of the spontaneity from our life.  As soon as he's feeling better I want to live a little more.  See also #3.
5. Simplify EVERYTHING.  I feel like this is a theme for most people this year, and I am definitely on the bandwagon.  No more stuff, saying no to a thousand obligations, cooking things that are more basic, streamlining my to-do list.  Simple is easier, thus it's better.  I started this at the end of 2014, and I'm definitely going to continue in the new year... with a vengeance. 

Those are my resolutions for a new year.  It's amazing how far a little self reflection can go and even though it's early in the year I can already feel the shift.  It seems like the theme in all of this is let go, have fun, relax more.  All and all these are not bad aspirations to have, and let me tell you, these are 5 things I'm definitely going to stick to!

2015... let's do this!

Currently.

Our stockings have been hung by the chimney kitchen with care, and our tree has been trimmed.  We've probably had more christmas cookies and egg nog, than any family should, and by some miracle I even was able to get the presents wrapped before Christmas Eve this year.  We've been to the nutcracker, and are anxiously waiting for our ride on the Polar Express later in the week.  The boys and I have seen pretty much every Christmas movie ever made... twice.  In short, we are READY for Christmas!  The boys are certainly excited for their presents, but it seems that the real draw this year is the idea of Santa being in our house.  The LM is still a believer and I have to say, nothing melts my heart more.  Tomorrow night my sister and her fiancé are joining us for our traditional cioppino dinner, followed by what is sure to be an intense game of Cards Against Humanity. Not exactly a traditional night before Christmas, but I pretty much live for games of any kind, so this is the best present I could get this year!!  Below is a little peek of what life has been like around here the past few weeks if you'd like to see what we've been up to. 

Last year we got a little carried away and got too big of a tree, so this year I inadvertently went to the other extreme and got one on the smaller side.  At first it was, "oh no" but we all have decided that we actually like the little guy, and it sure is nice not to have to move all the furniture around.  Small trees for the win!

To keep in line with our toned down Christmas, I kept the decorations minimal as well.  This little corner makes me very happy!

The boys, getting in the spirit. Buddy the Elf has nothing on them!

        

We baked these with my sister on Saturday, I'm embarrassed to say how few are left!  If frosting was a food group, my kids definitely are getting their daily intake.

The Elf of the Shelf has again been the highlight of the Month.  I don't really get that elaborate, but the boys don't seem to care.  Brady is definitely going to be missed once Christmas is over!

After a year long unintentional hiatus, the wii has made a reappearance.  This, I'm not mad at.  Not one bit. 

Also READING!!!! is big right now.  We are so, so close to this kid choosing to read versus doing anything else.  I'm so excited for him, I really can't think of a better gift!  Here he is is proudly showing off his first finished chapter book. 

Oh, and movies.  Lately, on Sunday's the boys and I have been hitting the movies, and it's been a blast.  Our theater serves beer (yay) and has those big comfy seats, so really it's not hard to convince me to go.  Last week we saw Big Hero 6 and it was surprisingly really, really good.  I definitely recommend seeing it with or without kids!

All of this excitement has led to some incredibly exhausted boys.  For the past few weeks, at least three times a week, they will either pass out or beg to go to bed before 6:30.  My husband and I have pretty much been doing cartwheels having the entire evening to ourselves, and will probably shed a tear when this ends!

 These guys.  Most of the time they drive me nuts, but I can't imagine life without them.  I'm a very lucky girl, and in the New Year I'm determined to focus more on that than anything else. 

So that's what we've been up to!  The boys are out of school until the 5th, and since no one really reads blogs this time of year anyway, I think I will follow suit and take some time away from here.  In 2015, I really want to make more time for this blog, and think hard about where I would like for it to go.  Thank you all for sharing another year with me, and I wish you the merriest of holidays, and a happy, happy New Year!

Weekend Links

 

It's Friday which means only one thing around here... no more school for 18 more days!  Eek.  Part of me is psyched, because this means no more mornings rushing, yelling, rushing, driving, rushing... but then the other part of me is saying, "no more school for 18 days ?!?!?!?!"  Luckily, we have something planned almost every day, so hopefully I can keep these wild animals I call children busy, and I'm most looking forward getting in some time just having no where to go.  To kick things off this weekend my sister is hanging with us, and after I take the LM skating we are making christmas cookies. On Sunday, we are going with friends to see the Urban Nutcracker.  Have you been? I'm actually really excited!  Whatever your plans, I hope you have a great one, and for those of you traveling, be safe!

Here are a few fun links from around the web, for those long delays, and lazy mornings! xx

I LOVE this DIY moroccan wedding blanket inspired tree skirt. So simple and elegant, I'm absolutely filing this one away for my "one day" grown up tree.

A powerful lesson about privilege.

This is such a sweet idea, and as the mother of a boy who cannot live without his lovie more than 10 feet away, one that I'm sure is very appreciated.

Do you all take multigenerational vacations?  Lately, our parents from both sides have been joining us on our Costa trips, and it has been so fun.  The boys love it, and it is so nice to spend time with them away from our usual frantic runaround life, and to get some time away from the boys while traveling.  

How Julia Childs roasts a turkey... just in time for Christmas dinner.

A great article about the secret language of teen girls on Instagram.  Man, I really hope I can keep my kids away from social media forever for another decade.

Turns out your adult siblings may in fact be the key to a long and healthy life.  I find this to ring so true.  My sister who lives near me is such an integral part of our little family, and for the past 25 years, our relationship has consistently been the strongest of any in my life.

Half of couples aren't actually divorcing.  This one surprised me!

The best of the best featured in this year's Boston Home.

OMG. We've been wrapping gifts wrong our entire lives! This video is a game changer.

I love William Sonoma and much as the next girl, but some of the things they sell really are ridiculous. This hater's guide to the catalog always cracks me up!  Really, why do they sell so many tiny things?  How much storage do you need to house them the rest of the year?  So many questions!

I HAD to send this spoof to my girlfriends. So, so funny... and true!

You guys,  watch this and then peel your jaw off the floor. Seriously.

What you learn in your 40's. Bring it on!

This made me laugh out loud and is so right on!!!  So. many. layers!

Great advice on how to email a busy person.  Taking notes here.

Lastly, what your face is trying to tell you.  Mine says STOP EATING SUGAR.  I think it's going to have to do better than that.

Weekend Links.

Good Morning! Hope you all are having a wonderfully, indulgent, and relaxing Sunday morning.  For the first time in about 7.5 years, both boys are upstairs watching a movie (Toy Story 3) and eating cereal together... alone!  All of a sudden yesterday, the two of them decided that they could actually play together for hours and not call out for one of us to come over every thirty seconds.  I'm sure it's just a wonderful, and short lived phase they are going through, but you can bet my husband and I didn't waste a second and have been spending as much time as we can drinking coffee in bed, and even snuck in a nap yesterday afternoon.  Crazy, I know!  The rest of our weekend has been full of excitement!  On Saturday, the LM had his first BIG skate competition and skated in the 14 and under group.  He looked so little out there, and despite being nervous, he was so brave and did a great job! This momma couldn't have been any prouder.  Today, I'm sneaking in a much needed yoga class and then it's off to another birthday party they go! 

Whatever you plans, I hope you have a great day! Here are a few fun links that caught my eye this week. 

The perfect song for a Sunday morning.

Jenna Lyons at Solange's wedding.  Stop it.  Stop it right now.  So, so, so good.

I am beyond impressed with this 13 year old yoga instructor... and she's from my hometown!

I finally caved and made my first (and only) holiday decor purchase.  I absolutely adore these little wreaths!  I like to hang one on top of another.

Why successful people wear the same thing every day.

Always late to the party, I am OBSESSED with Serial.  If you've been holding out, seriously give it a listen, you will be hooked!

... and of course, there are charts for people like me who can't get enough.

Loeffler Randall is having a big sale.  Right now I'm coveting these and these.

Why HGTV is nothing like real life... so true, and man this hits close to home after the week we've had!

Things you should always pick up at the flea market for your kitchen.

Speaking of kitchens, an incredible peek inside a legendary cookbook editor's kitchen.  What a warm space!

I just snapped these up (at 40% off) and plan on wearing them every. single. day. for the next five months.

While I don't strongly agree, or disagree, with this opinion piece, I did find the almost 500 comments to be a fascinating discussion on motherhood in this modern era.  If you are looking for a time suck, this is it.

Today, the little guy and I are going to make these healthy muffins for this week's breakfast.  I'll be sure to report back!

I love all four of these 4 fall outfits.  Although, fall in New England is typically freezing, so I'm filing these away for spring (which seems really, really far away, doesn't it?)

I love this little holiday themed snack.

Finally, lately I can stop thinking about those kids from Newtown.  Maybe it's because another anniversary marking the tragedy is coming up, or maybe it's because I have a first grader and all I can see is how magical this age is, how perfect 6 and 7 year olds really are.  I have to say, after the shooting I really, truly believed something would be done to protect our children.  Clearly, that hasn't been the case.  Here is a list of all 91 (!!!!) school shootings in America SINCE Sandy Hook.  When will we say enough is enough?

(Image credit)

Weekend Links.

Happy Sunday!

What are you all up to this chilly weekend?  I've spent the majority of it watching my little man on his skateboard, which is fine by me, given that this change in daylight savings has unfortunately brought forth a new surge of energy in the boys, and I'm just happy to have somewhere for him to expend it!  All of a sudden our home seems very small when two big boys are running through it like tasmanian devils all...day...long.  After a long day outside, last night we all piled on the sofa and the boy's watched Home Alone for the first time.  I have seriously never seen these kids laugh so hard!  I have a feeling we will be doing exactly the same thing tonight with the sequel! 

Whatever your plans, I hope you all had a great weekend. Here are a few fun links on this lazy Sunday. xo

 

Awesome. (not)

GIRLS is coming back in January! My excitement is palpable.

A great gift for the burly men in your life. My husband is definitely getting this in his stocking this year!

Instant wardrobe updates, from the experts.

I love these little glass shadow boxes.

A natural fix for A.D.H.D.  This is one of the best articles I've read on this in a long time.

It's November, which means there are more than a few men rocking some abnormal facial hair. A TED talk from the man behind the movement.

After an inspired trip to a market in chinatown on Tuesday, I made this, this and this. All three were so good! Tonight, I'm going to try out this one with some ground tofu in lieu of the turkey.

A pre-k teacher, and the trouble with lockdown drills. While I agree that it's better to be prepared, I am still so incredibly disappointed that we live in a society that accepts this as routine or normal.

On Winter skin... ever since I read this I've turned down the heat in my shower.

An easy alternative to a gallery wall.

The 5 worst states for women.

I love the emoji. In fact if I could just communicate with them, I probably would. Emojipedia is the ultimate source for what they actually mean.

25 famous women on their college lives.

These hats are stunning! Sadly, I have learned over and over that I hat person I am not but for those of you who are, you can't go wrong here.

New life for Jenna Lyons' famed Brooklyn townhouse. I loved this side by side comparison.

I have a serious girl crush on Nicole Cohen, and even more so on her awesome book that has tear out pages to be used for decoration. What a genius idea, and a great way to get inexpensive art in your home.

Finally, I loved watching my favorite bloggers compete in the one room challenge this year.  This roundup slays me.  I cannot believe that this is what people came up with in just 6 weeks!  That dark bedroom... I die.

Technical Difficulties.

I think my computer all of a sudden lost it's mind  because my freaking key that comes after "D" in the alphabet, and before "F" just stopped working! (I'm cutting and pasting "e" just to get this out!)

I have a genius bar appointment Tuesday, so sadly I will bhttp://diaryyummymummy.blogspot.com/2014/10/technical-difficulties.html off-line until then, since it's pretty damn hard to write a blog post with only spell check and paste. 

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Happy Weekend. Hope you all enjoy having a full alphabet to work with!

xoxo

P.S. These ladies are doing Fall right. Note to self, loose the sweatpants. 

P.P.S.  Watch this show. Its insane. I can't stop thinking about it. 

Weekend Links.

 Happy Saturday! What are you all up to this gorgeous Fall weekend?  Today the LM and I are up in New Hampshire for a little skate session, and then later I'm whipping up our favorite homemade fig pizza, and we're planning to watch this classic movie.  Tomorrow we will be heading over to our favorite event of the year, The Head of the Charles, which happens to take place in our back yard. Each year I tell me husband we are never moving, because I can't imagine ever not being here for the races!

I wish you a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans are! Here are a few fun links from around the web that caught my eye this week and last. 

File this under awesome things you'd thought would never happen... Breaking Bad is coming back for another season!  In our house this is VERY big news.

This is blasphemy I say! I will forever live for the greatest meal of the day; brunch.  Most of the best times of my life have been during my child free, long, boozy brunches with friends in NYC.

A few years back, I posted an idea about photo collages for you children's ever growing artwork collection, and I've attempted it with varied results.c This awesome (albeit pricey) company, takes the guesswork out of it.  I love how the end product looks a little like a Damien Hirst piece, for a fraction of the price!

I love this T-shirt!  Truer words have never been spoken!

I don't think you can find an easier, or healthier Halloween inspired snack!  I'm absolutely copying this for the LM's school Halloween party!!!  This one is equally as awesome!

It's officially scarf weather!  8 different ways to wear Fall's greatest accessory.

I am absolutely in love with every inch of this house.  That navy, palm wallpaper is to DIE for.

What every mother needs in her bag.  I plan to make a few of these up over Thanksgiving break for Gray!

On the pursuit of perfection in NYC. A great read!

Every. Single. One. Of. These. 

A great article on hyper-parenting. Guilty as charged.

Everything your kitchen aide mixer can do. It's time to dust that baby off!

I've been loving this incredible travel blog!

Any version of this outfit would be perfect for all those upcoming holiday parties.

Finally, what happens when 2nd graders are treated to a 7 course, gourmet meal (Gray's dream!) and how to get your kids to eat (or at least try) everything.

In The Picture.

 Those of you who are long time readers know that the LM and I spend quite a bit of solo time together.  I hate to say it, but it's  probably more than Gray and I do, strictly because I somehow became the de facto parent when it comes to athletics around here.  This means I'm the one who drives for hours, and hours, and hours to take him skiing or stating, and while most of the time I love it, there are times that it can be pretty exhausting, especially when we reach our destination and it turns out that the LM is not having it that day.  "But we just drove 2 hours, I say," shaking my hands in the air.  "Nope," is his usual response followed by a few hours of begging, cheering, and tears.  Luckily, this is not the norm, and without question my greatest memories of his childhood will always lie in some freezing cold skatepark in the middle of nowhere, or on the slopes, trying to play catch up as my 6 year old bombs down the mountain.  

A few years ago, when I was feeling a little defeated, wondering if I was more of a stage mom, than a motivator, a friend of mine whose mother had passed when he was in his teens, texted me to let me know that his greatest memory of his mother was her cheering him on and watching him skate. In that moment, that was the most beautiful thing that someone had ever told me, and it most definitely what   I have tried to focus on while driving though blizzards, sitting in traffic, and basically freezing my ass off, while plying my kid with Cheetos and Gatorade... just to keep him going.  The LM is definitely appreciative of my efforts, more so when I bring a friend of his, but until a few weeks ago I never really knew what our weekends actually meant to him.  Without knowing it, one little journal entry was the greatest gift anyone has ever given me, and since that day when talk of whether or not I should take him somewhere comes up, it is now me who quickly raises my hand and says "me, me, me"

You can click to enlarge, but it says that his dream for the future is to be a pro skater, and over to the right that's me IN the picture.  I can hardly even look at it without tearing up, and I wonder if he actually knows that me standing there in his dream future cheering him on is also MY dream for the future as well, but either way, I'm there and that's all that matters. 

Weekend Links.

 

Happy iPhone 6 day Friday!  Yes, I am one of those people who has been tracking UPS like it's carrying my baby today, but in my defense I have been working with an iPhone 4 (not s) for about a year now, and while I can handle the screen held together with duct tape, the 2 hour battery life has pretty much crippled me.  Finally, I get to see what all the rest of you have been talking about for about a year, and I don't know, actually make a call?!?!  Other than messing with my new toy, we are hanging low this weekend, and spending as much time outside as we can because it's supposed to be gorgeous here! Summer, please never leave!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, here are a few links from around the web that caught my eye. See you next week!

After spending a year with my shorter hair, I've decided to give mid-length a go, with this as my inspiration.  I really feel like this length doesn't always get its full credit.  These 11 celebs show that it might just be the perfect length.  Don't worry, the platinum blonde isn't going anywhere, anytime soon... as in ever!

Touche.

I pre-ordered my phone a week ago, and it's currently on the truck out for delivery.  Easy peasy.  These people clearly didn't get the memo. 

Gilmore Girls is coming to Netflix.  Cue the binge watching!

This at home drunken noodle recipe looks as easy as it is delicious!  I've been craving all things spicy lately and might have to give this a whirl on Sunday.

Looks like spring is going to be just as casual (and comfortable) as Fall.  Sign me up!

A beautiful and moving love story.

The only thing I actually care about from NYFW.  Love #20!!!

Self control... Wait, what's that? ;) Here is how to master it. (taking notes)

Stylish sweatpants.  Yes, you had me at sweatpants.

Still holding on to Summer, and dreaming of these 7 s'mores recipes.  How is it that I never thought of throwing a Reese's peanut butter cup in in the middle.  Gah, genius!!!

Nailed it!  I know who I'd appoint as NFL commissioner.

50 things you probably didn't know about Sex and the City.

I'm loving these wreaths for a simple table setting for the holidays.  Boxwood for the win, and yes, it's way to early to talk holidays!  My lips are now sealed until November!

Finally,  I am always a little blown away by the comments that some people will leave on blogs, specifically design ones. Sure, we all think these things sometimes, but to actually take the time to write it knowing someone on the other end is a) human, and b) reading,  is something I cannot comprehend.  That being said, I think there are a lot of the big time bloggers who refuse to allow any criticism, even of the constructive nature.  You see it over and over again where someone will question a choice, and not only are they attacked by the blogger, but also their spouse, parents, dog, and legion of readers.  This article sums this up nicely.  Clearly, it seems like moderating the forum is key.

Currently.

I mentioned last week that we spent the Summer traveling from coast to coast to coast to coast.  Here is a little of what I like to call the "highlight real" from our adventures. As you can see, we had a great time, but just like they always say, "there is no place like home!"

So long Summer 2014... 'twas a good one!