YMGG- For The Father Of Your Children Who Knows How To Push Every Button You Have To Annoy You, and Yet Still Manages To Be The Man Of Your Dreams, Especially When He Skateboards For Hours With Your Kid, Even After Working a 14 Hour Day.

I have to admit, this year I had a hard time in the "dad" arena. I think it's because my hubby just did all his shopping, and wants nothing for Christmas, so I haven't really had to look around much. Here are a few of his favorite new things... he's a man that's hard to please so if he likes it, i can promise you almost anyone will!

1. New Kicks that don't scream "dad." Every time I see a pair of New Balance sneakers, I can't help but think of Steve Carrell in the opening scene of Crazy, Stupid, Love (if you haven't seen this movie RENT IT right this second, Ryan Gosling... swoon) but still my hubby just loves these sneakers. They are as comfortable as running shoe, but they are cool enough to trick people into thinking that you aren't pushing forty, or trying to look like you are 18. The perfect shoe for the perfect middle aged guy! Note to all men out there, just because they are cool an comfortable does not mean that you can 1) wear them to a dinner establishment that requires a reservation, 2) wear them with shorts, 3) wear them ANYWHERE your partner is wearing heels. New Balance 59.50
2. A Pair of Boots that does not violate rules 1, 2, and 3 above. These boots may not look like much on paper, but under a pair of jeans they instantly transform your man into the stylish guy you always knew was lurking under the surface. Tannery (in Boston) or REI Blundstone 145.00
3. The New Coldplay Album. Is anyone else as OBSESSED with this album as I am? The only thing better would be a box set containing every other Coldplay album. Buy your man this, and then steal it. Listen to it. Die over how good it is. Repeat. Amazon, 11.88
4. A Video Game for the little boy inside your husband who refuses to grow up. If your husband is a gamer, this one is a no brainer. In fact, he probably already has it. Mine got it for his birthday and is "saving it" for a weekend when the kids and I go away. This is the only series of games he will play (thank god they only come out once a year) but according to him it is pretty much the coolest thing ever. I don't get it, never have, and never will, but with 2 boys I figure I better embrace it... and soon. Amazon 50.00
5. A "Fleece" that he can actually wear out to dinner. Yes, miracles do happen. My hubby and I are finally agreeing that a fleece cannot be worn ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE. Why did he finally come around? Because he found a fleece, that actually looks like a sweater up close. He has the hoodless version, and when you look at it you would actually think it's wool. When paired with boots and jeans he is instantly transformed from a college student to a 30 something father of two. I'm pretty sure Mark Zuckerberg would approve. Paragonia 149.00
6. A Shoe fit for a first, or 1000th date. True Story- When my hubby picked us up for our first date he came to my house wearing elf shoes. Seriously. They were these old school Clarks, that had about 2 inches of gum sole, and turned up at the toe. He paired them with too big of cargo pants and a T shirt with a number on the pocket. Yes, I still went out with him again. The shoes have become a bit of a joke around here, so when he told me he wanted a pair of Clarks again, I had to believe he was kidding. Then he showed me a gray suede pair, minus the gum sole, and I had to take back everything I said before. Even elves can grow up. Clarks, 119.99
7. The Perfect Saturday night movie. Screw the critics, you know a  Hangover double feature + a bottle (or two) of wine = the perfect Saturday night. Amazon, 14.99
8. The Must Have Accessory. Who has two thumbs and needs a Kindle? EVERYONE. I hate to admit it, but I bought my 1st generation Kindle when they were like 500 bucks. Now they run about 80, are so much faster and lighter, and do almost as much as an Ipad. Damn technology... I can't keep up. My husband kicked and screamed when I told him to get one, and now thinks it's pretty much the greatest thing on earth. If there is anyone on your list that you are at a loss of what to give... this is it! From 79.00, Amazon.

Whew.... So, there you have it. Gifts for everyone on your list! Happy Shopping!!!

For You Kick Ass Sister Who Moved Across The Country To Be With You and Your Kids, Your Mom(s) and MIL Who Take As Good of Care of Your Kids As You Do (If Not Better), and Your Amazing Girlfriends Who Make Every Day Brighter (and Who You Get To Drink Margaritas With The Second Tuesday of Every Month) Who Will Always Be Your Soul Sisters Even If They Move To New York.

It's not coincidence that most of these will also make for awesome hostess gifts! 

1. LES MACARONS. My girlfriend brought these TO DIE FOR Macarons back from Paris earlier this Fall. I literally hide them from my hubby and son so I could keep their delicious creamy/crunchy goodness to myself. I actually think I might have cried when the box was empty. If I had to pick, my favorites are the salted carmel and coconut (but that would only be said with a gun to my head.) My mouth is watering just thinking about them! This will definitely be my first stop the minute our plan hits the tarmac in Paris! Laudree, Prices vary
2. Jonathan Alder Scented Candle. Forget the gorgeous vases these candles come from... if you have never smelled one of these amazing creations, you are seriously missing out. It's like, whatever it says it is, it is, without being to perfumy or over the top. My favorite has the be the watercress, but any one of these would bring a big smile to my face... and nose. Jonathan Adler 38.00
3. Feed Haiti Bag. You all know the deal with the FEED bags, right? By a cute reusable bag... feed meals to those in need. The Haiti bag = 50 meals and is a great way to give back while also getting the perfect summer tote/beach bag. I think this is a great gift to bring to one of those many holiday dinner parties. Historie 35.00
4. Dots Blanket. Similar to the FEED bag, this beautiful blanket which can be used as a throw, beach blanket, picnic blanket, tablecloth, baby blanket, etc... is also a gift that gives back. These handmade blankets are woven in Ethiopia and the company buys directly from women-owned businesses which enables the artisans to support themselves and their families with their craft. Historie 125.00
5. John Derian Tray. For the past year I have been obsessed with procuring a John Derian tray. I absolutely love how whimsical they are, and the instant personality that they can bring to any room. A few months back, through a flash sale, I was able to get a 50% off coupon, and picked out two trays that now sit right next to me in my bedroom. The Beautiful tray has to be my favorite, and is a perfect gift for the beautiful women in your lives. Leeker Home, 80.00
6. Jean- Georges Cookbook. Market is probably one of my top three favorite restaurants in Boston (along with Coppa and Ten Tables) and I am so excited to try out some recipes from this gorgeous cookbook. It has the word "simple" in the title, which is always a very good thing. The cover alone makes me hungry! Amazon 26.31
7. This Beautiful Life [A Novel] This book has received some mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved it. It freaked me out a bit, the whole idea of "bigger kids, bigger problems" yet I couldn't put it down. The premise is that a young teen boy, who attends a prep school in New York, finds himself involved in a scandal that stems from a pornographic video that was emailed to him by a 13 year old girl. I found the book heartbreaking, and it served as a great warning, just how easily kids can get caught up in things without the proper supervision. Give this one to Mom, it will remind her just how happy she should be that you are out of your teen years! Amazon, 13.34
8. Hermes Scarf. This seemed to be my go-to gift this year. First, for our best friend's 40th my girlfriend and I thought this would be the perfect present, as it is just as hip as it is timeless.... and hopefully 60 years from now she will always think of us when she wears it. Then, we gifted one to my MIL to thank her for her AMAZING help before and after baby Gray was born. I love that when she wears it she will always think of that happy time! You can't go wrong with this present, which also makes a great group gift from all you siblings! Hermes, from 305.00

There you have it... gifts for the most important women in your lives. Coming Monday, presents for the man in your life (you know they really don't want anything, but we have to get them something.) See my present for my hubby here. 

Happy Weekend. 

YMGG- For Your Chubby Little Baby, Who's Gummy Smile Will Forever Melt Your Heart, Even If It's Often At Its Biggest At 5am.

Okay, so we all know that a new baby doesn't need that much stuff for Christmas. With all the pressies that always come in from family members, their first year is usually the time to try to limit what comes in... why not save it until they know better, right? That being said, you can't completely shut out the newest (and chubbiest) family member. Here are a few of my favorite things for baby... boys and girls. 

1. Custom Personalized Plate and Bowl Set. I purchased this as a gift for my girlfriend when she had her third baby, and when it arrived I knew I had to order one for my baby boy. The graphics are too cute and you can personalize EVERY feature. I went with the navy and they nailed every feature, right down to my babe's deep dimples. Keep this one in your back pocket for all those baby showers too! Etsy, 42.00
2. ErgoBaby Organic Baby Carrier. I know what you are thinking. How could you possibly need another baby carrier? I mean, I have the sling, I have the bjorn, 2 strollers, even a backpack made for mountain climbing (we did actually use this in Switzerland and Costa Rica).. yes, my husband said this too. The problem is that those other carries KILL your back when your baby reaches 20lbs (Which shockingly we are only 4 pounds away from!) With the LM I can say I definitely did not need this, and was certainly able to stroll him and dote on him as much as he needed. The same is not the case with #2 and I find I will soon need to run (fast) after big brother while he is on his bike/scooter/skateboard and having baby (comfortably) on my back is going to be a game changer. ErgoBaby 135.00
3. Oeuf Lucien stripe baby jumper. This is admittedly a total and unnecessary spurge item, and is more for mom than baby. I own that. I love it. I bought it in a size 12 months and cannot wait to watch him toddle around with those chubby thighs crammed into my favorite nautical stripes. In other news I really need a 12 step program from my nautical stripe addiction. The other day I left the house in a nautical striped T... holding hands with a four year old in a nautical striped T, carrying a baby in, you guessed it, a nautical striped T. Oh, and today I was a J. Crew with my mother in law, used a gift card... what did I get? You guessed it TWO nautical striped boatneck T shirts (in my defense they are not navy, one is orange and the other grey AND they had zippers in the back. I know, only an addict would defend zippers. Damn you Jenna Lyons!)  J.Crew 88.00
4. Jonathan Adler Nightlight. So, remember when I designed my baby's nursery around a 400$ porcelain lamp and then realized that I was freaking out of my mind when I went to buy said lamp. Chances that it would already be broken? 100%. Now, imagine my surprise when I popped in my favorite store while waiting to meet up with my kiddies and I spotted a nightlight version of said lamp. Yes, miracles do happen. 1/8 the price.... 10x the practicality. They also come in Lion and Elephant, which are actually cuter, but on principle I HAD to get the giraffe. Jonathan Adler 48.00
5. American Apparel Baby Clothes. Did you all know American Apparel made baby clothes? I did not. Why didn't you all tell me!!!! I went in randomly on Black Friday (my only purchase of the day I'll have you know) to pick up some gym tanks and stumbled upon some of the cutest and most practical baby clothes (think nautical stripes (don't even say it) yummy cotton cardigans, awesome leggings (red! my new favorite) and too cool for school T-s) Sizes range from newborn to Pre-Schooler. Prices from 10$.
6. Oball Rattle. Hands down best baby toy ever. 3-9 months. No more needs to be said. Isis Parenting 10.00
7. 3 Sprouts Storage Bin. When I think Christmas, the first thing thing that comes to mind is storage. Yes, I have a sickness. These are the best (and cutest) storage bins. Psst- Gray has the navy elephant! Isis Parenting, 42.00
8. Personalized Olliegraphic Pillows. 59.00 Like the plates, I am equally obsessed with the pillow version of these personalized goods. Santa is bringing a navy one for baby Gray's room, and I know it is something that he will treasure in the years to come! Etsy, 59.00

Coming tomorrow Gifts for Sisters/ Moms and Besties Everywhere!

P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts on the gift guides... I'm not sure if your radio silence means you hate them/ love them are too busy shopping too respond, or if they are so awesome you can't speak for days after reading them.... all thoughts welcome (aka wondering if I should start my list of things for next year's guide or bag the idea.)

YMGG- For Your First Born Who Is Part Wild Animal, Part Cuddly Little Boy, Who Loves Skateboarding, Superheros, and Above All... His Mommy.

Psst... don't tell the LM, but most of these will also work for those of you with little princesses too!

1. Crayola Story Studio Comic Maker. I just got this for the LM and his buds, and I can't wait to put it together!!! The end product is 3 coloring books with your little one's face actually IN the book. Christmas morning this boy is going to D.I.E. when he sees his little smile fighting next to spiderman!!!! These also come in Disney Princess, and Cars. I kind of think I need to get one for every kid I know! (computer and printer required) Amazon, 7.99
2. Melissa & Doug Pirate Chest. Are any of your kids as obsessed with "collecting" as mine? Right now we have about 260 beer bottle caps, 30 marbles, and 16 "baby balls" in an Altoids container that we cannot go anywhere without! I love this wood treasure chest to hold all of the things he loves so dearly. The coolest part.... there's a false bottom so he can keep secret the really special stuff (these are quarters in our house.) Amazon, 22.62
3. I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles. Right now my hubby and the LM can't get enough of these books after the LM was gifted one by his Grammy Sue. I'm not going to lie, you definitely need a parent to help find things (as in I can't find half the stuff) but we get him one of these before every flight or any time we know we will need some quiet time and the book lasts WEEKS! They have a Christmas themed one which I am pretty sure Santa will be bringing this year. Amazon, 11.19
4. LEGO Space Shuttle. This combines the LM's two favorite things, space ships + legos. As far as I'm concerned, you can never go wrong with legos. We are going to Paris in January and I'm leaving a GIANT police station for the LM and his Grandpa to complete... yeah, 5 days should be just about right~ Amazon, 29.78
5. Magna-Tiles. Last week we had our little man's parent teacher conference, and we learned that he loves nothing more than building with these magnetic 3D tiles. There great because it's pretty hard to make these things topple (read pretty hard for a crawling baby to knock over) so most creations can get completed. They aren't cheap but from what I've heard that they are definitely worth the money. Santa (err Grandpa) will be making the LM's day with these, this year. Amazon, 149.95
6. Superhero Converse. Need I say more? They also come in Batman for kids, Superman for adults. My hubby actually considered the adult ones until we decided he wasn't cool enough. Luckily, the LM can easily rock the Green Lantern version. Converse 42.00
7. Tech Deck Fingerboards. I should have seen this one coming. First we had to collect every matchbox car every created, now it's fingerboards. Can you say stocking stuffer? Amazon, 9.99
8. Boden Long John Pajamas. File this under one of my favorite things. These cotton jammies are so soft, so thick, and so damn cute, I get four new pairs for my guy every year in the Fall. They are footless so the tall skinny kids can easily wear these all year long. They also have adorable girl styles. Hint- order a size up. Double hint- Boden always seems to have some type of 20% off sale going, don't pay full price. Boden, 58.00 for 2 
9. Boys' Flannel Shirt. For the country boy that lives in every city boy. Adorable! J.Crew 49.50
10. Boy's Corduroy Pants. In our house we call these "talking pants" because when the LM walks they "talk." (My adorable hubby came up with that one.) I absolutely love these pants, they are pretty much all my kid wears. They are thick, stylish, and they can hold up to anything a 4 year old can throw at (or on) them. Plus, they make him look like quite the hipster. Die. The just added the red, lucky you! Hint- order a size up, the waistband is adjustable. J.Crew 46.50

There you have it... everything a little boy could want! Coming tomorrow.. stuff for that squishy little baby in your life. 

YMGG- For the Mom Who Sometimes Thinks She Is a Celebrity, But Really Just Wants to Be as Hip as She Can Be Without Humiliating Her Kid at the Playground.

Yep, it's that time of the year again!!! Time for me to share with you some of the things that are on my Christmas List/ a few of my favorite things. Without further ado...

1. The Sartorialist [Paperback]. I can't think of a book that inspires me more (fashion wise) than the Sartorialist, by Scott Schuman. It's about 1000 pages of all of his most beautiful images, and before I pack for a trip, or a night out, I flip through those gorgeous glossy pages before settling on my fashion choice. For 16.00, I can't think of a better stocking stuffer. Amazon.
2. Exhale Gift Certificates. File this under my new favorite thing/ current obsession. After their second babies, my girlfriends began to rave about the Core Fusion classes that are offered only at Exhale locations. Within months they were two of the hottest mommas in town, and I knew I wanted to follow in their tracks after my little one was born. I've only been at it for 6 weeks, maybe 3 times a week, and already I have noticed a HUGE difference in my body. All the credit for fitting in my favorite "skinny" J. Brands goes to those killer instructors, and classes that literally work every muscle... in an hour! I hurt all the time, but it hurts sooooooooo good I can't stop dreaming about the next class! This is a great gift for a new mom, someone who has found themselves bored in their current routine, or anyone who wants to take their workouts to the next level. Exhale, available in any domination. 
3. A Gold Men's Style Watch. My sister has this rose gold watch and I lurveeeeeee it! It is such a statement piece, and ads instant style to any outfit, from weekend casual to girls night out. Bloomingdales, 250$
4. Monogramed Ipad Cover. My girlfriend has a similar cover for her Iphone and it is just about the coolest thing ever. I must admit, I don't have an Ipad yet (we are waiting for the next version) but I am already searching for the perfect cover. My husband is sold on basic black, but I think a little personality is a must! Besides, it would be pretty hard to leave that behind on a airplane... see, always thinking!!! ;) Preppy Princess, 38$
5. The Perfect Slipper. This is one thing that will definitely be under my tree this year. I hate cold feet, but equally hate wearing socks at home. With a new baby, padding around at night comes with the territory, and I can't think of a better way to do it, than in fleece, covered in red suede. J. Crew, 39.50$
6. Sport + Store Water Bottle. I saw this a few weeks back with my girlfriend, and we both screamed out genius! This is a perfect gift for anyone on your list, but great for those mom's who want to run to yoga class, without having to lug a huge bag. It's a full size water bottle, that, in the bottom, holds your keys, phone, and credit card. I guess bikers and runners have used these for years... who knew? 19.99.
7. The Perfect Chevron Blanket. Leave it to Tory Burch to make the perfect blanket. I can just picture this in my bedroom, living room, it would even go with the nursery decor! This is definitely a lust item, but as far as I'm concerned, if you are going to splurge, I can't think of a better way to blow the bank. Tory Burch, 295$
8. Sharlie's Angels. Rather than getting the blanket above, this year I am going to donate what I would usually spend on myself to one of the worthiest causes I can think of. Sharlie is a amazing woman who I went to high school with. We weren't friends, but I have been following her story through Facebook over the past few months, and I can't think of anyone who is more deserving of the most important gift anyone can receive, the gift of life. Sharlie suffers from CF and is currently in need of a double lung and heart transplant. She is a loving mother and wife and needs every cent you can spare for her upcoming procedure. You can read more about her story, and find out how to donate here. 
9. Clairisonic Facial System. This is one item that I have had my doubts about. I kept thinking, can a spin brush really make a difference in my skin? Apparently it can. Lately, it seems like every time I see someone with flawless skin, I ask what their secret is, and EVERYONE keeps swearing by this product. I must say I'm very intrigued. Prices range from 110-225$. 
10. Black and White [Hardcover]. My newest favorite coffee table book. Buy this. Read it. Love it. Completely re-arange your home. Repeat. Yeah, it's that good. Amazon, 30$
11. Lululemon "Skinny" Leggings. Okay, I have to admit, I used to be in love with my groove pants... key word, used to be. One day as I was stuffing them into my wellies, I thought "if I only wear skinny jeans, why don't I wear skinny gym leggings." Hello, lightbulb. After baby I picked up a pair of these pants, and I can tell you I will never go back to the old style. Not only are they SO slimming, but they also fit in every shoe, and for someone who hates wearing gym sneakers (because I don't actually wear shoes for ANY of my gym activities) these have been the answer to what I have been looking for. Lululemon, 88$.

P.S. I will never forget when my little sister was about 13 and she turned to me and said, "you know Sis, you aren't really a celebrity?" Talk about a crushing blow to one's ego. Now I will forever be known as the one who "sometimes" thinks she is a celebrity.
P.P.S. Click the highlighted link next to the number to get to website... see I've already done the hard work for you! Feel free to forward to husbands everywhere.

Like a Baby, This Is Something You Can't Return!

I'm officially hard at work putting together my second annual Holiday Gift Guide for Mom, Dad, Baby, Big Kid, and for this year... Sister/ Grandma/ Best Friend too (all coming this week, assuming no one gets struck by another nasty virus... ahem pre-school germs, are you listening?) but I just had to share with you the present that I got for my hubby, which is finally on it's way. Don't worry friends, the man hasn't read my blog in years, so I can assure you that no surprises are being spoiled today!

Every year I run into the same problem with gift giving when it comes to my husband; what do you get the man who wants nothing and has everything he needs? Usually, I try to get him clothes, and in typical fashion, every year I find myself returning said clothes as soon as December 26th rolls around. Well, we all know this year the husband has the clothes covered (I still swoon over those skinny jeans) and I wanted to get him something that was a little more sentimental, as well as a gift that he (err I)  couldn't return!

I have wanted for a long time to get a portrait done of the LM and ever since baby Gray was born, it has been haunting my dreams. I tracked down a woman whose work I love, but alas she was/ and still is, on a portrait hiatus. I knew I wanted something a little funky and edgy, and I wanted it to be a large scale piece, without breaking the bank. After some searching on Etsy I discovered an artist who goes by the handle Empwr, who paints using a unique graffiti style technique. I loved her portraits of children, and immediately sent her a picture of the boys. She sent me this image yesterday, and my super top secret x-mas surprise should be arriving in a matter of days!!!! I couldn't be more excited!

It's hard to tell in the photo, but the picture is about 3 feet by 4 feet and is (I believe) a picture, printed on canvas, that is then painted over with a brush. It was very affordable, running about 150 $ plus shipping, and I am pretty sure this is one Christmas where Dad will not only be surprised, but will also be delighted he's not opening another sweater. That, in my book, is priceless! After Christmas I plan on hanging this in our entry way, along with this picture of the LM underwater, just so our guests will know right off the bat what kind of home that they are entering!

What do you do for those hard to find people on your list? After this year, custom art might just be my new go to!!!!

4 Ladies and a Baby.

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via Kit on Pinterest

This year the babe and I are bucking tradition, and spending a quiet Thanksgiving at home. We typically travel to Maryland to visit my husband's family for a Normal Rockwell type thanksgiving, and after some serious thought (and the prospect of spending the week sharing a room... all four of us) we decided that for this year only, the boys would spend some time in the country, while squishy and I would get in some quality time back home. My Sis, SIL from New York, and her sister from Australia will be joining us... which makes for a perfect estrogen filled weekend, where the wine will be flowing, and the chick flicks will be aplenty. I chose the picture above because this is exactly what my stove will  look like today. For about a second I considered making a feast myself, but when I looked at Whole Food's Thanksgiving menu for 4, I decided my time would be much better spent gossiping and reading US Weekly's.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, traditional or not. This year I am so unbelievably thankful for my family, my amazing friends, and of course, you awesome readers. You continue to inspire me every day!

Lots of love. Gobble Gobble.

The Best Part of Waking Up.

Is spying on some brotherly love via the video monitor.



*die* *melt* *die* *have.to.have.10.more.kids* *die* *melt*

P.S. I love how the LM keeps looking out for me, like he is doing something wrong.
P.P.S. Kidding about the 10 more kids. Honey you can climb out from the hole you crawled in after reading that.

Vote For Baby Gray!!!

Today, Baby Gray's nursery is featured on my absolute favorite website (and homepage) Ohdeedoh in their Small Kids, Big Color contest. Those of you who have been following my blog know that this room was such a source of despair for me during the years we were trying to conceive, and I am so proud of the final result. Gray loves his sunny, warm space, and watching him sleeping in his crib makes all those years of anxiety just melt away.

So, please, please, please, take a minute and vote here to send Gray to the finals. It only takes a second to register, and Gray promises to thank each and every one of you... once he learns how to talk!

Voting is only open for 48.... make that 45 more hours, so get your tushes on over there ;).

UPDATE: I guess there's a problem with the site. Apparently they are working on it... those of you who have tried to vote, I love you. Those of you who will try again later today or tomorrow, I love you more! :)