O Christmas Tree.

 Sunday, was the much anticipated day when we picked up our Christmas tree. The kids are SO in to it this year, they would have bought one the day after Halloween if we had let them. We have talked about this day for over a month now, so I was beyond elated when it finally came. 

 After 12 years together, and an equal number of trees, my husband and I have finally gotten this Christmas tree thing figured out, and I have two things to thank for that. The first, and most important, is getting the right stand. For years, and years, and years, we had a too small stand, that neither of us refused to give up on, and after too many leaning trees, I finally bit the bullet and got a stand that could probably hold the tree in Rockefeller Center. Game changer, people. The second thing we have learned is that you've got to get your tree from the right spot. Yes, I would love to cross country ski out in to the woods somewhere, and chop our own tree down, but we are years away from that happening, so we still pick ours up. After some trial and error, we found the perfect place in Somerville (right next to the old police station) and we haven't been let down yet! They have a great selection, parking, incredible wreaths, and the second you pick out your tree it is whisked away, and placed *wrapped* on top of your car. This may not seem like a big deal, but with two kids running around it is so nice, I shed a tear each time we pull away, with just how easy it goes. 

Of course, getting the right tree is essential and after some serious negotiating (between the Little Man and I) I think this year we got our best one yet. I prefer tall and skinny (like my men ;)) and the LM likes them fat. Here he is trying to plead his case. 

… and Gray is like, "whatever you two… this is just so awesome."

We finally found our winner.

Which was VERY exciting!

Gray helped to pick out the wreaths (my favorite!)

20 minutes later we were in business. 

We spent last night decorating the tree as a family, but this guy likes to keep the party going and has re-hung everything in reach ALL.MORNING.LONG.

Our 2013 tree! She's a beauty! The best part is that this morning we woke up to snow! It sure is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kiddos.

Kids are pretty much the easiest to shop for anytime of the year, because let's be honest, if it's new, they love it. This goes for boxes, paper towel rolls, rubber bands…  and toys too! The trick, I find, it to get them things that have the potential for a long life, while being equally as cool as something that is plastic, lights up, and has 10,000 buttons. While those things seem great at first, we all know that they can get fairly bored with them easily, and they pretty much break as soon as the first batteries die out. The trick is finding something that they will be excited about, but that will also still be in use once New Year's day rolls around. 

Here are a few things that I find to be little kid, and Mom and Dad approved!

I love getting new artwork for the boy's rooms, and what little guy or girl wouldn't be thrilled with a sweet new print from Sharon Montrose. I have the giraffe in Gray's room, and it makes me smile every time I see it. 

Can you imagine their surprise if you turned their favorite piece of artwork in to a toy? This site does just that! I am dying to do this for my boys!

I love the tradition of giving a new pair of pajamas on Christmas eve, and this set is too cute for words! I picked these up for my little ones, and it will be the first matching thing they own. You all can bet there will be plenty of pictures to follow!

If my Little Man could suggest one gift, it would without question be this Advent Calendar. Every morning I hear him run up the stairs at 6:45 and burst in to his brother's room, where immediately "lego, lego"  starts coming from the monitor. Opening the window is the highlight of their little lives right now. 25 days of pure joy. 

I love this unique globe for a kid's room. It's functional and stylish, and practical too!

These Melissa and Doug Whittle World sets are a huge hit around here. They have planes, school buses,  trains, fire trucks. Basically every thing a little guy or girl loves!

How cute are these personalized sleeping bags? Both my kids would be so exited to get one of these!

This little planet mobile is out of this world! :) Perfect for a nursery or even for a big kids room!

I can't forget all those sweet little babies out there! These little moccasins are so dang cute, they make my heart swoon! 

Finally, I know I don't know a whole lot about little girls these days, but I do know fashion, and this little top is beyond adorable! I only wish they made it in my size!

There you have it! 10 great ideas for the little ones in your life! I owe you all some weekend links, and promise to try to get them up tomorrow afternoon! Until then, bundle up! I think pretty much all of us are in for some cold weather and even snow! 'Tis the season!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: For Him.

 I know it's cliche to say that men are really hard to shop for, but you know what? Men are really hard to shop for! Sadly, my husband is no exception! The man wants nothing, needs nothing, hates gifts… blah, blah, blah BUT he always is incredibly surprised (and happy) when I find something out there that he didn't know he wanted, but somehow can't live without. After some serious digging, I think I came up with the perfect gift (hint it's on this list) but one or two others may just find their way under the tree this year, and hopefully I won't find myself standing in line to return them December 26th, because that has never happened before (insert sarcastic eye roll here.)

 Here are a few great options for your hard to shop for man. 

For the guy who loves the ocean, this book is a must. Every year I put this on my list, and then I forget to pick it up. The bonus is that while he will love leafing through it, it also looks pretty awesome on display in your home. I mean, the red spine alone is the clincher!

This is pretty much the perfect gift for anyone who has an iPhone, but my husband especially. With the flick of a switch, this case gives you a 100% full battery, thus avoiding the text "my phone is about to die" which is pretty much the norm around here, at 4pm every day. Genius! (Note: My girlfriend who bought this said to make sure you buy from the manufacturer, and not from Amazon. There are quite of few of these out their that are counterfeit and don't work!)

This is perhaps the most beautiful camera case ever, which conveniently also holds a laptop. It's such a great gift for a man who travels around the world, or for those who live the weekend soccer/ hockey/ football circuit . There is a canvas version for about half the price, and both are sure to please the budding photographer in your life.  

Some classics never go out of style, and this T-shirt is one of them. I have to admit, I kind of love the idea of my husband wearing the same shirt that my Dad used to, when I was growing up!

These may just be the greatest shoes ever invented, and really are a necessity for anyone who lives in a mixed weather climate. They look like sneakers, but have the traction of a rain boot, the grip of a snow boot, and are lined on the inside for warmth. Don't ask me how I know this, but if your man's size is sold out online, the Niketown in Times Square has a ton of them, and they will ship to your house ;)

When the New York Times switched over to a paid online service, we protested for all of about two weeks before signing up for a digital subscription and it the #1 thing we refuse to give up. Get it for any of the men in your life and, "borrow" their password. It's the gift that will forever keep on giving. 

These shirts, based on Famous novels are too cool! They also have some great kid's ones as well! I feel like the Outsiders one is the perfect gift for the hipster man in your life. 

What man doesn't need a Dopp kit? This guy is beautiful, and affordable!

Finally, I have this lens for my iPhone to take videos of the LM skating, and it really is amazing. It basically turns your iPhone in to a "real" camera/ video camera, and can give it that fish eye effect, which is great for filming movies. 

Tomorrow, it's kids and babies! 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: For Her.

 It's that time of the year again, time for the annual holiday gift guide! I don't know about you all, but I love seeing what everyone around the interwebs dreams up for their ideal Christmas wish list. So, like every year, I decided to get in on the fun! This is pretty much my wish list, with a few of my favorite things thrown in.

Without further ado, here are my top ten picks for her.

I can say 100%, without a doubt, I am probably the worst person on the planet when it comes to arranging flowers. I really just don't get it, and thus, rarely buy them. This book reads exactly like a cookbook, and is the perfect gift for someone who can follow a recipe (me!) without having to use an ounce of creativity (me! me!) I have a strong suspicion that Santa is leaving this guy under the tree for moi this year. 

 I am not a huge jewelry fan, but right now I am pretty obsessed with the gold bar necklace. It's such a simple and sexy piece, and I'm pretty sure any lady in your life would be happy to open this on Christmas morning!

I picked up this clutch from Madewell a few weeks back, and I can't even begin to tell you how many compliments I've received while carrying it! It's a nice roomy clutch, with a separate coin purse, and the gold bar, and chain instantly add style to any outfit.  

When we were in Costa Rica last, I was turned on to the swimsuit/wetsuit and fell in love with the concept, basically because like everyone else, I hate cold water. That means this is pretty much the perfect gift for anyone, but even more so for those moms who have to climb in cold pools for swimming lessons, or anyone who has ever dared to go in to the ocean in New England (even in the Summer!)

This is #1 on my wish list. A one year subscription to the great magazine ever created. Enough said. 

An incredibly chic apron for the women in your life who aren't afraid of the kitchen. This one is small enough that should would most definitely remember to put it on!

I absolutely love this peace sculpture, perfect for the free spirit in your family! 

There is nothing better than a fresh pair of running shoes. I love this black and white pair, it makes a statement, but still goes with everything. 

I've mentioned these shoes here before, but what can I say? I just can't get enough of them. I'm pretty sure whoever receives these would wear them every day! Hint hint, handsome hubby of mine. 

Finally, this isn't technically "for her" but it is toping my current wish list. Right now, wall tapestries are seriously having a moment, and this one is begging me to get it for my guest room. Don't you hear the pleading? I think it's perfect in every way!

Up next, gifts for the men in your life!

Currently.

 So, did you all survive the big holiday? We did. Barely. The kids are still home from school, and my husband is in Chicago, and I feel like Thanksgiving was last month already, but such is life with little kids. The day of was actually pretty pleasant, which began with a freezing 4 mile run with some good friends. After that the gloves came off when it came time to get down to turkey, and I've never been so happy to see a bowl of mashed potatoes in my life! We are now in full Christmas mode around here, with Rudolph on repeat, egg nog as our only beverage option, and holiday music programmed in the car. I'm already way over it all, but it makes the kids so damn happy, I just can't help myself. 

I've been working on my annual holiday gift guides, and they will be starting up tomorrow! Until then, here is a little glimpse of what has been going on around here. 

{It turns out we have a very naughty elf… (a lot of explanation went in to that last one)}

{I said "smile!" and got this}

{Men at work. About 40% of the candy actually made it on to the house}

{Me trying to get crafty}

{Trying *hard*}

{This is what Movember did to my handsome husband. Dec 1 could not come fast enough}

{This one lives for the ball pit}

{Home cooking, and by "home" I mean picked up from Whole Foods and heated in the oven.

{The kids have been coloring in this box for over a week. If I had known it would be this easy to entertain them, I would have hit up our local Uhaul a long time ago!}