Halloween Links.

Let's talk about Halloween.  

Halloween has quickly become our favorite holiday of them all.  Boston always does it right, and each year the boys and I find ourselves WAY more excited about Halloween than we do Christmas or any other holiday of the year.  This is a little weird for me, since I have never really been one to like dressing up, and I remember many a Halloween spent sitting at home because the whole thing just seemed like such a hassle.  I do have one memorable costume, which was Mary from Something About Mary, and after that I dressed as a cat... for 7 years in a row!  I figured, I couldn't top Mary, so why even bother.  Of course, having kids changed my lukewarm feelings towards the day, and each year the boys are getting their costumes earlier and earlier (I think this year it was actually in August) and I have to admit I love sitting with them, searching through costume after costume on the computer, waiting for their eyes to light up when they finally make a decision.  As for the day of, each year we meet our best friends at the park with a thermos of spiked cider (shhhhhh) and after trying to stuff a piece of pizza in the kid's bellies, we head out through picturesque Back Bay and Beacon Hill in search of some candy.  The city fully cooperates with the need for a sugar rush, and closes down all the streets, and everyone gets in the spirit, some even heading out adults treats of wine and beer.  The whole night is magical and is something we look forward to year after year. 

For those of you who tend to party at home, here are a few great last minute halloween links to help make your party extra special. I hope whatever your plans are that you have a great one!  If you are in downtown area, I'll be the Mother of Dragons, running behind batman and a storm trooper!

An adorable and EASY alternative to a traditional punchbowl. 

A simple table setting that even the little ones will enjoy. 

Speaking of little ones, how cute is this mummy juice box? 

Simple and elegant DIY bat decorations. 

A cute breakfast or party snack for the big day. 

I LOVE this spooky wreath and am absolutely making this next year. 

8 Halloween cocktail recipes to die for. 

10 great last minute Halloween Costumes. Some of these are so easy and cute!

Happy Halloween!

P.S. This advice columnist's response was awesome! Standing ovation!

Weekend Links.

the LM and I at his Kindergarten play last week

Happy Friday! I cannot believe it is already Memorial Day weekend! What the what!!! Around here you wouldn't know it because its cold and rainy (per the usual) but we are promised some sun shortly, and I plan on holding someone accountable if it doesn't pan out. Who? I'm not sure, but c'mon, it's almost June, can't we get a break? Besides complaining about the weather (man, I really am getting old) we have a low key weekend with the kiddos planned. Tonight we are heading to a play date at a friend's house, and tomorrow, I'm taking the LM and his buddy skating and then we are having dinner at my new favorite place in town. Sunday, the boys and I are going to a sibling class at their favorite play center and I'm hoping it will be warm enough for the beach on Monday, but after shivering one too many times, I'm not counting on anything until the day of!

I hope whatever your plans are, that you have a wonderful, long weekend! Here are a few fun links from around the web to get this party started!

Should you rent or buy? The answer isn't so obvious in some parts of the country.

The best new Instagram account. By the way, I always eat what I post!!!

I'm obsessed with these shoes, thanks to this post by Garance. A special thanks to my SIL for the tip!

What you learn in your 40's. This actually makes me want to get older, faster!

Woah! Paris went an got itself a pool. Can we all be beamed there right now?

Okay, so I would NEVER spend this kind of money for a pair of Birkenstocks, but I have to admit these sure are pretty.

Because one can never have too much clean air, or plants!!!

THIS!!! Is happening at our house Sunday night. A perfect reason to survive the weekend.

I am absolutely not allowed to buy another pair of jeans as long as I live, but for those of you who are, these are about as good as it gets... and they are on sale!

I'm not a fan of the furnishings, but I absolutely love EVERYTHING else about this kitchen renovation. Wait until you see the before! Not only are there touches of black everywhere, but the white and wood combo is sooooo good. Standing ovation for these guys.

The perfect formula for weekend Spring/ Memorial Day dressing. Denim cutoffs + a striped T + a blazer + sunglasses. It's that easy! (second pic from top)

How cute is this shower? I absolutely love the fruit stamps!!

For the long weekend, 24 mind blowing documentaries to watch on Netflix. (This article links to the fist 12)

The future of blogging? I think about this daily, especially when it comes to my own blog. Do you write what people want? What you want? Is there even room outside the mold? All things to ponder.

Boston now has its own mini Legoland! I'm pretty sure we will be spending every weekend here, for the next 5 years!

Finally, for the three of you out there who 1) care, and 2) don't know this, Season 3 of Scandal is now on Netflix. I actually yelped outloud with glee when my sister texted me this. 

Currently.

 

Hello, friends... I'm finally back. The kids and I spent last week in Texas visiting my mom, and arrived much later than expected on Wednesday night/ Thursday morning (thank you Congress and that air traffic controller nightmare) which meant everyone was home from school Thursday, and I had to spend the weekend playing catchup. You know the drill. On Friday, thankfully, I was able to get a chance to go down and visit the memorial that was created for the victims of the Marathon bombing before it was taken away. Being away from home while all the madness was going on was really hard for me, but being back in the city, and seeing the beautiful outpouring of love, really did help being some closure. I find that there are very few times in life, when you can be with complete strangers, and know that they are feeling the exact same emotions as you are. For me, this was one of those moments. Being a few weeks removed, I still feel so much anger and sadness. Four people lost their lives, one child, hundreds were changed forever, the culprits are either dead or in jail, and one of the most amazing events that this city offers, will never be the same again. It seems like it was all for nothing. No message was sent, there is no one else to go after, no group to target, life just keeps on moving forward, and it just breaks my heart that so many had to give up their lives so senselessly. The whole thing is such a tragedy, such a waste of life, just like what happened in Newtown. Clearly, there are no real answers. I, like most of you, am having a heard time coming to grips with the evil in this world. 

When I was down in Copley square, I took a few pictures of the memorial. At first I thought it would be in bad taste to share something that is so personal to this city, but then I thought that there is no better way to show how Boston is honoring those who were harmed. I think it is a beautiful tribute, only matched by kindness of those who have donated their time and money, to try to bring some normalcy back to those who lost so much. If you'd like to help as well, please consider donating to The One Fund. 

I'll be back to blogging tomorrow, with the usual frivolity, but I just wanted to take today to continue to mourn so much that was lost. #bostonstrong

Currently.

 Inside a toddler meltdown.

(sometimes all you can do is sit back and watch)

Fall is officially here, even if we are enjoying some T-shirt weather.

Last week I tried to teach the boys to double dutch jump rope. I failed miserably. 

This face kills me. I can't believe he's so grown up.

I realized, this year, that we are seriously lacking when it comes to Halloween decorations. I have to remember to pick some up for next year!

A late night skateboard session in the garage, that Gray couldn't wait to get in on. 

 

Trying to redeem myself for the lack of decorations. The batman symbol may be my proudest mom moment.... ever. 

Hope you all had a great weekend! We had a great time apple picking (and by we, I mean the three of us who didn't miss our morning nap) and I have lots more pictures to share! Stay tuned...

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!!!

 

My Favorite New Boston Additions.

I love shopping in Boston. I am well aware that this is not Paris, or New York, or even LA, but for me Boston is all I need. Well that, and some high speed internet for my other love, online shopping.

Anyhoo, between Newbury Street, Copley Mall, Chestnut Hill Mall, and the best of them all the Nadick Collection, Boston has all my heart can desire.....and my wallet can afford.

Here are two of my new favs:














Parlor. This trendy little south end boutique is one of the best boutiques in all of Boston. Featuring hard-to-find labels in a hip and unique storefront, this store will surely have something to please even the most picky fashionista. Specializing in women's clothing and accessories- this store also has the friendliest staff and reasonable prices for the eclectic collection.















Dress. Specializing in that LBD, dress has expanded to offer a showroom full of amazing clothes. Dress carries collections from all of the hottest designers (think Phillip Lim.) The staff is extremely helpful, and they lack that small boutique snobbery. I have found many of my favorites at this little store, and Dress has become my go to for that perfect outfit!

Happy Shopping!