Weekend Links.

 Summer has decided to show its face again in New England, and I for one, couldn't be happier. My brother-in-law is flying in tonight, and I plan on taking the boys to the Topsfield Fair tomorrow. Have you all been? We went last year and had the best time. My little man has been stretching all week, in hopes he can finally ride the "big" roller coasters. I'm not above padding his shoes ;) I hope you all have a great Fall weekend, whatever you plans! Here are some things from around the web that caught my interest.

A friend of mine posted this article on Facebook yesterday, and it brought me to tears. A great reminder to always stay in the picture.

The difference between privileged children and spoiled brats. 

The perfect everyday red lipstick.

How awesome is this shoe? I'm pretty sure you would have to wear it every day to justify the price, but whoa!

This is the most beautiful photo I have ever seen. I can't get it out of my head; true love. 

I bought this foundation brush from Sephora, and it is seriously the greatest thing in my beauty arsenal. I now know the trick to light and flawless coverage... it's all in the brush!

My favorite nail polish for Fall. I'm wearing it right now!

I just ordered this shirt for the gym. Too cute!

For more, be sure to follow me on Pinterest! (are you all as obsessed as I am?)

When Are We Moving?

A few weeks back, my husband and I took a mini-vacation/ work trip to New Orleans, and I cannot begin to explain how hard I fell in love with this city. Every hour I would call/ text/ nudge my husband and say "When are we moving?"

 Like EVERY hour. 

These were the kind of discussions that went back and forth from my walking tours (and yes, I took every single tour)*

After learning that there was no industry in the city, meaning we couldn't really live there full time, I took to trying to convince my husband that is is where we should retire, or vacation, or be buried. Really, I was pushing for all three. Looking back at our pictures, I found that I took about 10,000 of various homes I wanted to live in, and not much else... but after looking at these, can't you see why? 

 

The question of the day was always, "would you rather live in the Garden District, drinking sweet tea on the porch and absorbing the hot, slow pace of life, or in the French Quarter better, (where we stayed) a place where you can wake up every morning and get beignets and cafe au lait just steps from your home, and live jazz music 24 hours a day." My answer was always, "both, any, all, how did it take me 33 years to find this place????"

It's hard for me to describe the magic that is this city. Like Paris, it's one of those places you have to see to believe. Unlike Paris, everything was so reasonably priced, and borderline inexpensive, that it's not hard to imagine returning. Every year. As in, I already am making plans to go back. Who's with me??

Here are some of my picks, from the city that stole my heart. 

 We stayed here, because my husband had meetings in the French Quarter, but if when we go back I would probably pick here. We ate here, here, and here, and the bbq shrimp with 1.50 martini's here cannot be missed. Nobody (besides drunk co-eds) parties on Bourbon street, and the real action is on Frenchmen Street where there are dozens of little bars, blasting jazz from 6pm on. I also fell in love with Magazine Street, in the Garden District, which reminded me a lot of home. We were lucky enough to see on of the city's most famous musicians, Kermit Ruffins, play at this dive bar that was like something out of a movie. I also highly recommend what is touted at the "Katrina tour" which gives you a real glimpse into the devastation from that disaster, as well as the rebuilding efforts that are in place. It really restored my faith in humanity, if you are in town, and can make this happen, it is something you will remember it for the rest of your life! 

My heart belongs in New Orleans... mark my words I will live there, even if I do have to wait 50 years!

*One of my favorite things about this city was that it was "cool" to be a tourist, everyone is. The city runs on tourism, and the various tours from plantation, ghost, cemetery, etc.. are so well done, there really is no better way to see the city. One day my husband asked if I brought my fanny pack, as I was scheduling back to back tours... but let me tell you, with a frozen hurricane in hand (drinking in the streets is encouraged) I really couldn't get enough. The best part was that I actually learned so much about the area, versus, just seeing it. Ahhhhhhhh I want to go back!

Having a 90's Moment.

 I don't know why, but for some reason, these past few months I have been obsessed with the 90's. Who am I kidding, this has been going on for about a year now! I realize this was the decade of my adolescence, but still, it was such a random period of time, and who really wants to revisit hammer pants, grunge rock, and the era of the family sitcom? 

Me, that's who!!! 

I realized that my obsession was getting a bit out of hand when I saw my most recent iTunes receipt, and the last few albums I downloaded were (no joke) The Fugees, Lisa Loeb and the Nine Stories, Jimmy Eat World (pre- fame they were SO GOOD, you guys have to download Clarity) and Counting Crows. For some reason, listening to the soundtrack of my youth, during my daily (somewhat tedious) adult life, brings me so much joy. Now, I find myself wanting to curl up on the sofa, watch Reality Bites, while listening to Nirvana/ Stone Temple Pilots/ The Cranberries and discuss (for the first time) what is going to happen when Brenda returns from Paris and finds out about Kelly and Dylan's summer fling, while eating an entire carton of Chunky Monkey (ahhhh the 90's, when you didn't have to worry about calories!)

Seriously, I may need a twelve step program!

The worst part is that I will reference things from the decade that was, and my sister/ babysitter will look at me like I'm from another planet. I mean who doesn't remember the birth of Francis Bean, my favorite movie of all time Mad Love (staring none other than Drew Barrymore and Chris O'Donnell... I must have watched it 150 times) and Doc Martins. Don't even get me started on My So Called Life, the rise of Kate Moss, Butterfly tattoos, and pastel nails (which, oddly is back in fashion again.) Why oh why am I lusting so badly for things of the past? I have to wonder if it was because, as a teenager, everything already sucks, so you can't fully appreciate the things that are going on around you. Now, as an adult, you have surpassed that drama that is high school (well, most of us have ;)) and you can fully appreciate the 90's for what they were... AWESOME!

Anyone have a time machine? I promise to bring the Wet and Wild charcoal eyeliner!

Hmmmmm, I guess we all know what the theme for my 40th is going to be!!!

P.S. I had the exact same hair style that Drew is rocking above for about 4 years! I would even put a flower in it, just like her. Do you think it's wrong that this is look I want to rock at my 20th reunion.... which is EEK only 4 years away!

Fall 2012 Picks.

Remember, last month when I was complaining that it seemed like summer was lasting forever. Well, that is no longer the case here in New England, and in the last few days it has gotten COLD outside. This is usually the time of year where I post a "why do we live here" comment, but given my non-maternity/ fit back in my entire wardrobe/ can't wait to dress up for fall status, this time around I am embracing the drop in temperature, and I am determined to make a real effort at dressing up daily (i.e. actually changing out of gym clothes after the gym a.k.a. not wearing yoga pants 24/7.) Here are my top fashion picks for Fall. Wearing any of these, I am happy to say, bring on the apple picking, pumpkin carving, leaf peeping, hot chocolate kind of weather... this year I'm ready!!! 

(Click link in the text for sources!)

This coat haunts my dreams. It really is perfect in every way. If I didn't already have a great army coat, this would be mine. Like yesterday. 

 Need I say more? This sweater is the perfect layering piece. I would wear this with a T, a boyfriend jeans and oxfords, as well as over a great patterned blouse and leather pants (my new must have staple item.)

See above. This pattern will never get old and I'm loving the boyfriend fit. Oh, and it's Gwyneth approved ;)

How great is this peter pan collared T from J. Crew. It's back ordered until November, but so worth the wait. How cute would this be with a wool pencil skirt and tights for work, or for those dreaded elementary school interviews (i.e. how I will be spending the next 3 months of my life.)

These oxblood heels (the color of the season) just arrived in my mailbox last week. They are amazing. Dress em up, dress em down, they are suck a great alternative to the traditional back pump. I especially love that natural heel, and living in a city lined with cobblestones, a solid heel can never be under appreciated!!!

Another of my favorite purchases (ever) a great leopard alternative (is this cheetah???) this super soft clutch goes with anything and everything, and it's large enough for every day use. The fold over is such a great way to secure your belongings, avoiding "the Robin" which is when you spill the entire contents of your clutch on the floor while searching for your phone or wallet in a dark restaurant. Yes, it's named after me for my clutch (pun intended) move. 

Oxblood + Rag and Bone = the pant for Fall. My 16 year old self is feeling pretty proud of herself for discovering this trend 18 years ago. If I ever thought that burgundy jeans would ever be "hot" again, I can promise you I would have held on to those babies a little bit longer. Same goes for the flannel shirt I spent the better part of my sophomore year in. 

Finally, How amazing are these timeless flats? Cap toe, nude, studded. Really, you had me at cap toe. 

There you have it! What are your pics for Fall this year? Please share!!!

 

Baby Gray's First Words.

Somehow, overnight, Baby Gray turned it to quite the chatterbox. Those of you who know me and the LM in real life, know that this isn't too shocking. The following are the list of his first "real" words, in order:

1. Out (as in get me the hell out of this stroller/ crib/ car seat/ chokehold my brother has me in.)
2. Duck (his lovie is a duck, and we cannot move more than 3 inches from the house without it.)
3. Dog (you all know how much I love dogs ((sarcasm)) so Gray is trying to turn me on to the idea of getting one by.touching.every.single.dog.in.this.city.)
4. Papi (said pApA) which is what he calls his daddy. and
5. Ella (for Ellie, the name of our super fabulous part-time baby sitter/ full time savior)

Do you see what is missing from this list? 

Check again. 

Now you see it???? 

Yes, what about me?!?! Or how about big brother Liam? 

I mean, we are only the people who spend every waking minute with you!!! Maybe that's why, you don't need to call our names because we are always standing right there. Hmmmm, or maybe it's because you think it's funny to watch us ask you over and over (and over and over) to say our names, only to have you stare blankly at us, and then say duck.

Yes, I think that is exactly why.

Well played son, well played.

Well, Liam and I have one thing to say to that.

(self portrait)

Still Here.

Dear Blog (and Readers),

I am still here.  I haven't forgotten about you. I really do miss you very much.  I definitely underestimated how difficult it would be to juggle two kids with VERY different schedules, and the LM's epic 5th birthday party, and trip to NOLA (and subsequent recovery) took up more of my time than I imagined.  Then I got so sick, and now Gray has what ever I was fighting. This is no excuse.  I want to come back.  I will come back tomorrow, and I promise to never let three weeks pass again, without a post. I think I was a little burnt out and found myself searching for material. This is no longer the case. Life seems settled again, and I can't wait to share what we've been up to. This is my diary, and I can't allow entire months of my life to go missing. I hope you can forgive me. To show you how sorry I am, I brought you a little present. Gray finally fits in the jammies that I bought him in Paris. They have a little flap for his diaper. It is so cute it makes me cry. I hope it makes you smile.

Did it work?  I sure hope so ;).  I promise to never leave you again.  Thanks for being patient with me.

Very Truly Yours,

Robin

xoxo

The Past Few Weeks... (Err Month)

The Little Man still doesn't start school for another week... so I am still in the trenches with the two kids, but I thought I'd share a few pictures from how we spent the second half of our summer vacation. The first can be viewed here. I feel like this summer was one where a lot of things happened, while at the same time there was nothing really of note. Really, isn't that what life is like with little kids? You spin and spin all day long, and at the end of the day it is sometimes hard to remember what exactly it was that you did for the last 10 hours. Well, at the end of the day, everyone (usually) went to bed with smiles on their faces, so I'm pretty sure we all had a good time.

Here is some concrete proof ;)

We spent a lot of time playing in the water. 

even when it wasn't as hot as we would have liked!

the little man perfected his "non-training wheel" bike riding, and now we bike everywhere...
whether I like it or not. this is usually my view, from FAR behind. 

gray couldn't wait to get in on the action.

we spent a lot of time making out, once gray learned to "kiss kiss". die. melt. die.

and we continued our superhero obsession.

we got manicures (something the little man has been begging to do for a year now)

and, of course, most days were spent at the skate park, looking cool.

the little man, and i, took a day trip (and our bikes) up to Singing Beach, on the commuter rail...

...which we dubbed "the most awesome place to have lunch"

last, but certainly not least, this little guy learned to WALK!!! he's not very good yet, which means I am constantly on the verge of having a heart attack every.second.of.the.day.

That's what we've been up to! 

I hope to be posting more regularly, once the big man is in school. Until then, I wish you all some warm, sunny days, It's going to be getting real cold, real quick in these parts, which makes me a little happier to chase the endless summer... for at least one more week.