The Perfect (Goes With Anything, Anywhere) Rug.

 We have been in serious need of a new living room rug, for some time now. Our old rug had some problems with the glue underneath it, and from month one, it started to show some runs in some pretty obvious places. The vendor we got it from was less than helpful, and after months of angry phone calls, we realized that we were stuck with it. It served its purpose, but after having two kids basically grow up on the thing, it became pretty clear that a replacement was going to be needed. I looked around for about 6 months, and just couldn't find what I was looking for. Once the sofa was recovered I knew I wanted something light in color, that would add some texture to the room, without breaking the bank.  

enter the West Elm Souk rug. 

I know, this rug is pretty much every where, and initially I was on the fence about getting it. BUT once it arrived, I realized why it is every where… it's because it is absolutely perfect. Like perfect, perfect. Yes, it sheds like crazy in the beginning, but once we got past that, I realized I was crazy not to get it sooner. The texture adds so much to the room, and the bonus is that it is so incredibly soft to sit on. Now that we have it the kids are always playing on the floor, and the deep shag is amazing for hiding any dirt. 

here's a little souk inspiration. 

and our rug in action!

The Souk really is where it's at. My only regret is not getting a bigger size!

Weekend Links.

… and it's FINALLY Friday! This will go down as one long week around here. I have had the worst cold since last weekend, that just so happened to coincide with the little boy we carpool with. So, basically I've been spreading the plague up and down the Mass pike for the last 5 days. One more pick-up and it's over! I am slowly starting to feel better, and just in time for the epic snow that's on it's way. Sleds have been procured, hot cocoa dates made, and now it's time to bundle up and wait for the first few flakes to fall. Pre- Christmas, snow = awesome. Post, snow = motherf^%&er. Am I right?

Assuming the city isn't shut down, on Sunday I'm surprising my Little Man with a date to the Nutcracker and he has no idea! All I told him is that he needs to wear a jacket and a tie, and he can pick me up in my room at 4. He knows that I will be wearing high heels and lipstick, so he's pretty sure it is something big! I think we will grab pizza on the way, and then fancy hot chocolates at the W Hotel. I cannot wait to see his face once we actually get to the show!

I hope you all have something amazing planned. Be safe on those roads out there… this is going to be a big one! Here are a few links from around the web to kick off your weekend!

Ever since I first heard this song, it has been playing on repeat in my car. I love it so, so much. 

How incredibly powerful is this commercial? Hopefully this is just the first in a much needed shift in the messaging to women. 

Gray's nursery was featured on Parent Magazine's online site! What an honor!

This is so funny and is SO something my husband would do, minus the scooter. We are most definitely pro scooter people!

Another great gift for anyone on your list!

5 minutes of what the media actually does to women. You all have to watch this!

I am trying with all my might to break my sugar addiction. I read this diary with great interest, and I hope that after one week I find a similar result. 

Yep!

Incredible parenting advice. 

12 sayings only people from California will understand. This totally made me miss home!

J.Crew is taking over the world. 

I want to make this so badly for the kids for Christmas next year. Will one of you please hold me to it? Jenny never ceases to amaze. 

All of these… ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm obsessed. 

We had this last night, and it was delicious! Note: I substituted broth for the water, and added a little red chili. 

I found this article, and the one that preceded it, regarding traditional role reversals so fascinating. For obvious reasons I related so strongly to the men featured. There was a quote by one of them stating, "… the thing that is important is that I started to redefine my personal notions of success to fit in with being a stay at home dad. That has alleviated a lot of stress that comes when one person gives up a career to stay at home." This really resonated with me, and is something that I have definitely been mulling over in my head since I read it. 

Finally, what an eye-opener this powerful photo series is. I think it's more important than ever to share images like this with your children, this time of year.

See you all Monday!

Winter Uniform: Black on Black on Black (and repeat)

 Baby it's cold outside, and that means only one thing… winter is here! Ugh. Wearing all black during the cooler months is nothing new for most of you, but I usually tend to shy away from the dark side. Up until this year, my cold weather uniform consisted of mainly grey and navy, but recently I have fully adopted the motto that back is the new black. Every day, I find myself reaching for the few black pieces in my closet, and I've pretty much been wearing them on repeat. I don't know if it's my new blond locks that have made the difference, or the fact that I'm gravitating more and more towards a classic tomboy(ish) look, but whatever it is, I'm loving it, and now I'm dying to scoop up a few more pieces for my closet. 

Think all black is a little boring, or depressing in the cooler months? Think again! These ladies prove that black on black on black is the easiest way to get an instantly chic look, while braving the elements. 

Get the look with these budget friendly pieces! 

clockwise from top left

1/2/3/4/5

Stay warm, my friends!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: For Everyone.

 Since the holidays are all about giving, why not take the opportunity to really give back this year? Let's be honest, if you are reading this on any type of electric device, and you aren't hungry, and you have clothes and fresh water, and aren't in fear of your life, than really, you, like me, don't need anything. The perfect gift for anyone in your life is most definitely a donation in their name to a cause that will continue to give throughout 2014. That candle or scarf you were eyeing for your sister… probably won't last through January.

Here are 5 great ways to give to those who are really in need. No wrapping required.

Kiva is an incredible site that allows you make microloans to people in developing countries. You are able to chose a recipient, track their progress, and when they repay the loan, you can re-donate it to someone else. How cool is that? The concept is so incredibly simple, and I hope it catches on! This is perfect for those office or family gifts with a 25$ limit, or even as a hostess gift with a beautiful card. 

I was turned on to Skateistan though my son's skate network, and I have continued to follow this amazing school throughout the past year. It provides education and sports (the central theme is skateboarding) to young women in Afghanistan and Cambodia. Watch this video and you too will be blown away!!! 

This one is important to me for obvious reasons, and I am so impressed with the way that the country has come together to help all the victims after the April bombing in my beautiful city. My Dad was at an event in California, where some of those injured were receiving new limbs, and that story has stayed with me almost as intensely as my memories from the day of the explosion. So many people were affected that day, and many will need support for the rest of their lives. This central fund makes sure that no person is forgotten. 

I still think about those kids every day. For almost a year they have been one of the first things I think of when I wake up in the morning. I am so incredibly frustrated that the anniversary of this massacre is upon us, and we as a nation have done so little to make our kids any safer. Politics and anger aside, this fund is set up to directly help those in the Newtown community and I can't think of a better war to honor those beautiful children, then to continue to give services and aid to all of the families affected by that preventable tragedy. 

We all have seen the devastating aftermath from the Typhoon in the Philippines, and this beautiful country needs so much help right now. My kids and I talk a lot about how much need there is out there, and this is one place that needs the whole world's help right now.

If you have a cause or charity that is important to you, please feel free to leave a link in the comments section!

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!