Weekend Links.

 With Wednesday's unexpected snow day, Friday just kind of snuck up on me this week. Since I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I'll very happily take it! We have a jam packed x-games weekend with skating tomorrow, and skiing on Sunday, but the real highlight is the viewing of the LEGO MOVIE!!! If your kids are as obsessed as mine, you know exactly what level of excitement I'm talking about! We have honestly been counting down the days, and the boys couldn't be happier that it's finally here!

I hope you all have a great weekend, whatever your plans. Here are a few fun links from around the web, to (hopefully) make it get here faster. 

I really want to make these for the boys next Friday. I have a note on my fridge that says DONUTS!!! Let's see if that helps. These are equally as cool (and healthier!) 

I like this idea too. I'm bringing in a V-day snack to the LM's school, and this is a final contender. 

I purchased these glasses earlier in the week and I'm now left stalking my UPS guy. They look amazing with blonde hair!

Since we're not using the "W" word anymore, come Spring I plan on making this place a jungle paradise with houseplants, drawing from this as inspiration. I'm taking this guide with me to the nursery. After looking at branches for the last 4 months, it's time to get some greenery going. 

This planter would be nice as well. 

My sweet baby sitter gave me this for Christmas, because of the name, but I have to tell you, it's the most perfect nude! I love it!

I made this soup this Monday, and it was awesome! (I skipped the cream garnish) We've been happily having it all week as a side. 

Good to know. Yes, I too have been pronouncing half of them wrong. 

This really is insane! Talk about commitment to your craft.

I really want this shirt. A must have for anyone entering Law School in the Fall!

Speaking of must haves, how amazing is this vintage LEATHER covered Eames chair? I have never wanted any physical object more in my life. What are the chances a great knock off will be made? Fingers crossed. 

Learn to weave. I really want to try this. I am still loving the woven tapestry trend!

I love this lamp! It's on sale too. 

This video is hilarious! I'm thinking less so if you actually have kids. I love the part when they see their friends at brunch, and are like "okay, let's join them." I vaguely remember those days. 

Finally, I really enjoyed reading this article about Garance Doré. Her website is my absolute favorite right now. She just oozes cool sophistication. When I grow up, can I please be her? haha, we all know that's never going to happen! ;)

Happy Friday!

Spring Wishlist.

 Let's not talk about Winter ever again. Okay? After yesterday's snow fall (which I have to admit was kind of pretty) I am more than ready to hit the fast forward button to May, and again live in a world where the windows can stay open all day, the kids can play in the park, when the sun sets after dinner, and I can no longer justify living in my husband's fleece, complaining about how I can never seem to get warm. Does that sound good? Since I can't really do much about the weather, or daylight savings time, let's just jump ahead to the fashion part, which really is the best part of Spring anyway. 

This is pretty much what I want to look like from April- July.

... and my virtual shopping cart drawing from that inspiration. 

Railroad jeans! Yes, Please. 

Topped with this insane leather jacket.

Obviously, there has to be some floral in there. This blazer is to die!

Finished with the perfect sneaker.

Or clog. I'm obsessed with these after seeing my girlfriend in them last year!

Perfect Spring uniform, done and done. 

What about you all? Anything you are lusting over? Anyone have that fast forward button? 

Learning a New Language.

 Do you speak more than one language? After more than 6 years of Spanish classes, I'm embarrassed to admit how deplorable my Spanish really is (especially considering how much time we spend in Central America) and for the past few years I've been dying to pick it up again. Now that the chatter in our house is all about moving to Switzerland, I'm thinking I might be better off learning a different language all together. I've always been so envious of those, who can speak multiple languages, and I think if I can get over my fear of completely butchering a new language, I would really enjoy the challenge. Learning German, and then the Swiss dialect, would probably make the most sense, but that seems like double the work, and since we aren't completely sold on the Zurich piece anyway,  I'm thinking it might just make sense to learn French (because, well, it's French) and I'm pretty sure I could get by with just that and English if we did actually make the move. Besides, I have this dream in my head of visiting Paris and actually being able to speak the language! That would be très chic! ;)

Did any of you learn a new language as an adult? If so, I'd love to hear what worked for you! My first instinct is just to go with Rosetta Stone, mostly for the cost and convenience, but I'm wondering how easy it really is? Also, if it's on my own time, I'm worried it will be the first thing to get pushed to the side, when other things come up, whereas it's harder to skip an actual class. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time in the car, so I feel like the cd's might be the way to go. Poor Gray, I can just imagine him sitting in the back seat listening to me trying out my horrible accent! Maybe, he'd actually pick something up!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one! 

(Language food poster via this Etsy shop)

Ventana- I Want To Go Back There!

We're back, and even though we had an incredible trip, coming home is always one of the best parts of leaving.  There is nothing better than that moment when you walk in and see your kid's eyes light up, seconds before they envelop you in the greatest hug ever known to man. Believe me, these days it is very rare to get that kind of reception when either of us walks through the door. Our transition home has been seamless, but that was largely due to the incredible job that my in-laws did, holding this place together while we were gone. Seriously, they should rent out their services... they would make a killing! The biggest surprise has been, that so far, we haven't "payed" for our trip.

 Usually, the kids are always a bit off the week after we get back, sometimes wired, sometimes moody, usually clingy, but this time back it's been business as usual. Actually, it's been way BETTER than usual. Before I left the kids and I were in some kind of downward cycle. With all the cold weather and the holidays, we were spending a LOT of time together, and pretty much just driving each other crazy. Now, after a week away, we all remembered what we liked about the other, and no joke, I haven't had to raise my voice once, and the two have really been on their best behavior. I'm not holding my breath, but man it would be a awesome bonus if this nice, calm household was here to stay. 

The only downside of being back home is that I've had to face the fact, again, that I live in Boston,  it's February, and it's snowing. Long gone are the sunny days we spent walking around San Francisco, which were only surpassed by the the lazying around we did while we were in Big Sur. I know it wasn't even 3 days ago, but right now it feels like it was already last year! 

I have to tell you, we stayed at the most magical place for the end of our trip, Ventana, and I really couldn't have dreamt of better place to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. As we were pulling away, we both said they we absolutely want to go back there... tomorrow would be nice! Imagine the most peaceful place you possibly can, throw in the most insane mountain views you have ever seen, ocean views as far as the eye can see, and sprinkle on Redwood trees as high as skyscrapers. Throw in in a Japanese bath, an in room fireplace, some deer, and more wine than you can drink and you have Ventana. Yes, it was that good. I wouldn't believe me either, so here are a few pictures to back up my story.

{the deer that would cross our path throughout the day}

The only thing it doesn't have? My kiddos. 7 days is the longest I can go without seeing their sweet little faces. Well, until next year at least. 

In Awe.

 This morning, we took the most beautiful drive from San Francisco to Big Sur. I simply cannot believe that I lived in California as long as I did, and that I never saw this part of the coastline. The entire drive was beyond breathtaking and is something I will remember forever. If this isn't already on your bucket list, I recommend putting it on the top!

More tomorrow...

Currently.

 Hello from Sunny California! On Friday, my husband and I said goodbye to the kiddos and headed to San Francisco for the week! Ever since we've arrived, we've done little but eat, drink, nap, and explore this amazing city! Here are a few snapshots from the trip so far!

I have a feeling that after this trip I'm most definitely going to be saying that I left my heart in San Francisco!!!

Oh, and how are the boys doing without their mom and dad? If these pictures are any indication, I'd say that thanks to my fabulous in-laws they hardly miss us! It's also amazing what a new lego set can do... they were literally pushing us out the door!

I hope you all have a great week! I'll try to get back here this week if I can break away!

P.S. Remember this from the last time we went away? I still crack up every time I think of it!

How Adventurous Are You?

 I always liked to think of myself as a free spirit, someone who colors a little bit outside the lines.  But, the truth is, I pretty much live and die by my routines and I am not one who handles change very easily.  I've made a few big decisions in my life, the first being moving to California when I was in High School, and the second was moving to the East Coast for Law School. At the time they didn't really seem that big, and both were ultimately changes for the better.  Now, I am very settled in my life, and even though every day is a page out of the movie Groundhog's Day, I am perfectly happy, and content living my day to day routine. If it was up to me, I'd probably live here, in the same town until Gray graduates, not changing a thing about my life.  Well, since I'm married, it isn't all up to me, and from the beginning I knew that "someday" we would probably have to move to further my husband's career. That "day" has come and gone so many times, and up until now the conversation has always been would the move be to Northern or Southern California. Lately, however, discussions have shifted, and the dialog has me seriously questioning how adventurous I really am. 

As I've mentioned before, my husband grew up in Switzerland, and my kids are both Swiss. Since I've met him, my other half has always talked about moving back to the "motherland"and recently we have been seriously considering whether it would be an option for us to move over there. Whew, I said it out loud. Just so my best friend doesn't have a heart attack, the big move probably wouldn't be for another 5 years or so, but the idea of even considering such a move really has had my head spinning. 

Up until now, my main hesitation outside of what it will mean for me (meaning how can I live without my family and friends) and what it would mean for the kids. I can tell you right now, I love their primary school so much, that I can't stomach the idea of pulling them out of that environment, especially since Gray hasn't even had a chance to benefit from such an amazing school. Any time the topic of moving to Europe has been brought up, it has just as quickly been shut down with, "talk to me when it's time for High School." Well, my crafty husband did a little research, and would't you know it, there is a very similar American school, in a picturesque little town, exactly where he wants to live. We thought it would be ridiculously expensive, but wouldn't you know it the darn thing is actually cheaper. After this revelation the list of my reasons for not moving just got a lot smaller. 

Again, this is all superficial conversation, and no one is going anywhere yet, but I have to admit the prospect is gaining some traction around here. I mean, it is Europe!!! If we moved there the boys would have such an incredible life, with the Alps in their back yard. Paris, Italy... the world at their fingertips (or a few hours by train) and socially/ politically the kind of environment we dream of them growing up in. No mass shootings, reasonable gun control, the kind of place where you don't have to worry about them playing in the yard or walking to school by themselves. This really is the dream, isn't it? Sure, maybe not for everyone, but I'm starting to see that this may be our dream. 

I'm still not sure what this all would mean for me as an individual, but it would be one hell of an adventure. I can't even put in to words how much I would miss this life of mine, but with a six hour direct flight from Boston,  I'm pretty sure I could negotiate more than a few visits back each year, and really, who would't want to visit us if we were living in a town that looks like this?

Gorgeous, right?

I would LOVE to hear from any of you who have ever lived abroad... especially with little kids. Was it difficult to assimilate? I hear that most Americans who move out of the country naturally gravitate to other Americans. Is that true? The few times I've been to Switzerland I was in awe of its beauty, but put off by the rigidness of some of the people I met who lived there.  I wonder if I would ever get over that, or if I would change to adapt?  Serious food for thought over here. 

This one is go down as a to be continued...