Have a great weekend start to the holiday season!

This recipe for Winter cookies found  here

Hello friends!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Have you had leftovers yet?  We just had our first batch.  Yum!  I just wanted to drop by and leave you some links.  I hope you stay cozy and make some hot chocolate this weekend.  It sure is going to drop to freezing levels.  See you back on Monday!

the real joys of the holidays


vintage Macy's Parade  


the easy Thanksgiving table! 


cute foxy sweater for toddlers!


DIY: cutest advent calendar


Thanksgiving and saying grace! 


a cute bootie!


very simple DIY Christmas tree (love it)

Around the Mall

A few weekends ago, we decided to brave the crowd and go to the Mall and maybe visit one of the Smithsonian museums. It turns out it was practically empty around 4 p.m. when all the tourists are heading out of the buildings. We were in luck, to say the least, and had a wonderful time riding the vintage carousel, visiting the Museum of the American Indian, and just walking around the National Gallery of Art's esplanade and gardens. Have you visited the gift shop at the Gallery? It's the best gift shop in the city for art lovers.

Fall is definitely here, with Winter just around the corner.  I'm holding out as long as I can in flats.  I think I might be able to pull it off until January when I return from out of town.   Emilu, Piki and I are getting ready for our month long trip to Florida and the DR.  It's definitely beginning to feel like the holidays are so near.   Are you planning on taking any family trips or do you have friends visiting from out of town?  That's the special thing about the holidays, right?!

Another happy Fall weeked!

Image via 

Hi friends, sorry about the sudden tardiness of this post.  We have been running last minute errands before Thanksgiving.  BTW what are your thoughts on Thanksgiving door busters starting early this year on exactly Thanksgiving day.  We personally refuse to shop on this day.  It's just crazy that this consumerism is creeping up on our most celebrated holiday.   I have been working on some crafts which I will show up next week.  Hope you have a great end to your weekend.

The mayonnaise jar and two pints of beer


London's diversity in bus stops


Emergency compliment


a cool holiday gift guide for him  and for her


change and renewal


 theseAutumnal tablescapes! 


See you back on Monday!

Keep calm and enjoy the weekend!

(via)

Hello, friends, I hope your week was productive and sane.  I'm so glad this week is finally over.   We have decided to plan a baptism for our daughter in Miami, and there's so much to plan and do.  So, I will be busy with that.  We are shooting for Dec. 23.  Sometimes things get overwhelming in your life.  Work, duties, friendships, family, etc.  This quote is perfect to help me find balance.  I also loved the links below, I hope you like them too.  So keep calm and have a cozy weekend!


Welcome November!


more California dreamin' 


soul-searching the night skies! 


6 awesome things Americans voted for in this election


home accessories I can cheer about!


have you ever felt like this? 


these awesome backpacks, but I've settled on this one!


i'm making this dessert this weekend

Happy elections weekend!

 Hi everybody, I'm so glad this week is finally over.  The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is devastating. The images are really haunting.  There are images of a darkened skyline of NYC, sand dunes in NJ's coastal cities and local airports completely devastated.  I hope these cities get back on their feet as soon as possible.  This weekend I'm venturing out to do election canvassing in Virginia.  I have never really done this, so I'm a bit nervous.  I just feel like I have to do this.  As a fellow citizen, I urge you to go out and vote, and take someone who's not planning on voting with you.  I see it as a duty more than a privilege. Happy weekend everyone, hope you stay warm and cozy, and here are some links I have found inspiring. 


Sandy hits Hoboken!


An open letter to Ann Coulter


Top knot


a beautiful and clever DIY wall art


completely smitten with this shop!


NYC can be vulnerable too


this adorable moon pinata is perfect!


i want this letter stamp set!


An open letter to President Obama!

Happy Halloween weekend

Although Halloween is not until next Wednesday, all kinds of witchy Halloween costumes will make their presence this weekend.  My favorite costume this year is Rosie the Riveter.  If you watched Parks and Rec last night you may have seen it on Amy Poehler's character.   We are planning to dress Emilu as a tiny hoot, she's into birds right now.  I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween weekend.  Some links I have found inspiring.  


mulling spices sachets are a perfect gift of the season!


this modern flat is full of texture and color!


incompetence hides behind authority


taking a step back in time in rural and Gothic England


this vintage decorated nursery is adorable!


these headboards are beyond colorful!


Halloween in the village!


I love starry nights! 


my favorite animal shows up in home decor

Exploring the pumpking patch

Last weekend we went pumpkin patching in the neighborhood of Cathedral Heights here in Washington.  Emilu was beyond excited.  I often wonder what goes through toddlers' heads when they see something for the first time. They point, they touch, they grab, they taste.  A time for exploration and imagination. 

Have a lovely Fall weekend

I've been thinking about New York lately, even though we were just there a month or so ago.  It's just that Fall is the most gorgeous time in that city. And the smells and the colors have stayed with me ever since I went for the first time 18 years ago during the Fall.  During this time, we start rolling out the rituals we so much love to do.  I take out my favorite DVD, which I insist on watching only in the Fall.  I cook and bake certain dishes, like cheesecake, creme brulee, casseroles, and tomato basil soup.  I unearth a few blankets and switch up the throw pillows, and basically redecorate with more color and put more scent around the house.  It's part of the transformation and the search for beauty one craves during this time.  I've have also been thinking about the things I want more during this time, hence the snapshot above with affirmations to help me get there.  How about you friends, what are you searching for this Fall? Above, all, enjoy this time of year.


have you got the blues?


 I have a thing for woven baskets (i wish I could get them all!)


beautiful illustrations:  feathers and gills  

snapshots from our last time in New York:

two lovely things I like


a remarkable encounter


sometimes I dream hard about California, because of links this like this one and this one! and of course, this entire blog!


wow, i love the look of these giant washi tape wall decor!


the art of simple breakfasts! 


this home is absolutely gorgeous, my kind of home!


Paris! it's everywhere lately.

Have a cozy Fall weeked!

Photo via

Happy Friday everyone!  The week flew by for me.  Do you have any special plans?  I'm planning on relaxing and catching up on my reading and blogging.  I have been away from the blogging scene these last few days.  I feel bloggers out there are really energized and the content being published is so good, I can't keep up with everyone I love. But, it does make me think about the direction I want to take my blog.  I feel that sometimes it doesn't translate my deepest intentions.  I have some soul-searching to do, I guess.  I did find some really good links, which have made my week.  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!


vintage board games 


delicious food styling! 


how cool are these printed city maps!


if baking, try these scrumptious pumpkin recipes! 


when you give the wrong gift


i'm still thinking about this article! 


a life unplugged 


this kitchen makes me want to samba!


stunning and easy Fall candles!

Have a spectacular Fall weekend

 Has the weather turned in your neck of the woods?  I'm in Florida still, but I can't wait to go back home and start enjoying the crisp, coldish Fall air.  We are quite enjoying our time here.   Doing lots of shopping and crafting.   Making newborn baby gifts and updating a few things around the house.  My mother made it a point to have me home so that we could both enjoy the process of changing up the seasonal the decor.  Although it never gets cold or crispy down here for the Fall, nevertheless, the shops are bursting with beautiful Fall colors, and inspiration isn't tied down to weather changes.  I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  And here are my favorite links for this weekend, some DIY fun as well as amazing little truths.  Enjoy!

DIY:  I'm doing these funky ombre pumpkins! 


Dying to try these nutella chocolate cupcakes!


mothers and daughters


that's some cartoonish transformation!


Spooky:  Hallowenish children art work


NYC's hidden (roof) terraces!


Amazing:  What lies beneath a children's gumline


the cutest stamp shop ever!


Wow, these insects covered in morning dew!


Fall treats (so creative and fun)

Have a lovely weekend!

This week went by slowly for me. Maybe because I'm anxious to get on a plane to Miami next week.  So there's cleaning, laundry, some minor shopping and luggage making.  Finally!  I will be in the Sunshine state for 10 sunny days.  Emilu and Piki are coming with me, of course, and I will keep you posted on our everyday stuff.  I hope you have a lovely weekend and click on some cute inspiration down below.


what i learned at maid school 


can you believe this link caused all this hullabaloo! 


what a great country home! 


a simple and beautiful DIY (can't wait to try it!)


sometimes opposites do attract, but would you eat it?


the best instagram tags outhere!


this camera print is for free!


the Harvest moon of 2012 is soon coming!


Are you looking to start a new tradition for Halloween!

Have a delightful weekend!

The first weekend in Autumn is officially upon us.  Tomorrow is the Autumnal equinox, and the sun's rays will align to close perfection with the Earth's axis.  A moment when the Earth's Southern and Northern hemispheres are receiving the sun's rays equally, and the Earth's tilt isn't inclined too far or too close to the Sun. It's a moment of balance that happens twice a year!   No wonder past cultures relished this, and even worshiped around the equinoxes.  A small wonder in our complicated relationship with the Sun.  Can you tell I'm a sap for these things?  It's the inner esoteric in me that finds this awe inspiring.  Anyway, I will be enjoying this special day whatever I'm doing.  I hope you guys do too. Surround yourself with beauty and inspiration this weekend.  Here are few links I have enjoyed.  Hope you too. 


why typos are so hard to catch


just marked this novel as my next read


this book i'm getting for sure!


you can Eat Awesome for just $5


giggly about all this jewelry 


DIY Warhol soup cans (Fun!)


a reminder of why we are here 


and she's having a _______!


a renovated Georgetown rowhouse!


an earthy Goddess and her new family!


Barbie's homebirth (with Ken) WOW!

Happy weekend!

I love how we are slowly transitioning from Summer to Fall. The evenings are cooler and the mornings more crisp. A little sweater goes a long way right now, doesn't it? We are relaxing this weekend with some friends, how about you? We might check a few new Art & Market venues this weekend. Last weekend, we stopped by the new Union Market in the northeast, and it's looking pretty good.  Although not Chelsea, it's got good bones to become something special. Here are some pictures.

Also we can't wait to attend the official opening of Mount Pleasant's Public Library, just a few blocks from our neighborhood.  There will be kids activities there, and I can't wait to see how Emilu takes it all in.  Have a wonderful weekend, and see you back on Monday.

Art for children

This weekend we visited the National Gallery of Art.  It was a nice afternoon and it wasn't crowded with visitors.  Emilu roamed the halls of the Dutch and Flemish, and the French 19th Century masters collections.  It was rather a short visit, but we did make it a point to stop at the famed gift shop, and I couldn't stop giggling at the beautiful and well stocked art shop.

But what can you buy children who show an interest in art?  Well, almost anything really.  And this shop is full of possibilities.  Just the books are incredibly interesting, and they have an endless choices for parents and educators to choose from.

If you are ever in DC, and there are tons of things to do from visiting all the museums and the monuments around the Mall, all for free, DO stop by the gift shop of the National Gallery of Art. Your kids will love it!

Thumbs up for the weekend!

Photo by Matt Rulez

Last weekend we went to NYC to attend an awesome wedding and meet up with my husband's family.  We arrived on Tuesday and I have been scrambling to get back into our structured life.  I will be posting pictures next week. Emilu did great with her grandparents, as it was her first time without both of us.  We got in in the afternoon while she was still taking her nap and when she woke up and saw us, she felt hesitant to hug us.  And I have to say I knew it would happen this way, because my daughter's character is not overly trusting.  Have you experienced this with your own kids?  Anyway is good to be back. I'm taking this amazing class online called Unraveling and will be sharing bits here and there.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone and here are some links that are sure to inspire.


Wardrobe Transitioning from Summer to Fall


this permanent Summer home!


Nursery love:  Modern industrial 


Essential steps to a fulfilling life!



A new book about Julia Child



and this memoir looks so interesting!



super chic flats 



this article is so good!



love the colors in this airy and fun flat in Paris


this Pinterest board is all spoons!



the value of Pinterest

Have a terrific weekend

Thank goodness the weekend is here.  We had several nights of broken sleep due to our dog getting sick from the stomach.  We are in the process of nursing him back to health.  Since he has long term liver disease and is very old, the stomach has become very sensitive as well.  It doesn't help that he has some disc (spinal chord)  damage and might be in  pain sometimes.  We are trying to manage that for him.  This weekend will be low key for us.  Do you have any exciting plans?  Next weekend we will be in NYC for my brother in law's wedding.  Ohh I can't wait!  Here are some precious links for your weekend!

sleep tight with a night light


this is the story of true Love 


cute dollhouses!


breathtaking view of next Olympics' host city


Brunettes in all shades!


creating the perfect home bar


Memories:  first day of school  ( i love her lace socks and shoes!)

Have a fantastic weekend

The weekend is here already!  My husband arrives tonight after a long week away for work.  We can't wait to hug him.  I hope you guys have a nice weekend.  There's only about 5 weeks left of Summer, better soak it in! Here are a few links, which I have enjoyed!



want to know what space smells like?


this fantastic hot sandwich!


a great alternative to cocktails


an actress's poignant plea


dying to see this Iranian artist's new film


daydreaming in teal


these minimal movie posters are so rad!


what a dreamy beach house!

Have a happy weekend

Are you watching the Summer Olympics broadcast?  It turns out most of the world watched it live, except us.  It will be broadcasted tonight. When I was kid in the 80's we would all gather around to watch the Olympics, especially at night with dad. The idea that these games took place every four years was so unrealistic in my kid's mind, that I thought they only had one lifetime shot at the events. It was like the Halley Comet's path in '86, an event so out of this world, that all the kids at school would talk and write school essays about their experience seeing the Comet fly by.  My parents had to explain to me that most athletes had about a decade of their lives to appear in the games, and even then, I would be so caught up with the age factor and trying to figure out how many chances they had left, that it felt like schoolwork when watching the games.  I hope you have a happy relaxing weekend.  Here are some links which I have enjoyed this week.

cute candle stakes


there's no place like home, Rome!


the dumbest Summer Olympics moments


this recipe for lavender lemonade (le sigh)


these handbags from Building Block


the hollow sounds of an aching heart 


illustrations of crabs & lobsters 


the gender neutral style of Shiloh Jolie Pitt


want to eat here while in London for the Summer Olympics

Have a fun weekend

Hi everyone!  It's my husband's birthday this Saturday.  We are planning a picnic at the park/playground just outside the city.  Oh we can't wait.  I have tons of pictures I need to upload this weekend to post on the blog.  So bear with me, please.  Do you have any fun plans?  Here are a few inspired links to contribute to the fun. 


tiles to make your house beautiful


a beautiful and ravaging account of watching life passing on 


the book + the cover design = genius read


a great way to get over body issues


Dear Henry (letters from a mamma)


Rachel Zoe's picks are fabulous!


100 most creative people in business in 2012


ahhhh, moonrise kingdom inspired nursery 


aerial photographs of beach umbrellas around the world


the last standing canine heroes of 9/11

Have a productive weekend

Happy weekend everyone!  I have plans to do some handy work around the apt. Also, my husband and I are going to put up some shelves in the dining room wall for open shelving storage.  I currently have an Ikea armoire, which I will then move to our bedroom as Emilu's new closet.  Next week, I'll post pictures of our newly redecorated kitchen.  As you can see we have the weekend full with homemaking activities, but it has to be done.  I love how I never run out of ideas to improve our living space, since everyday we are presented with new living challenges in this tiny space. Thanks to Pinterest and the blog community for inspiration. I hope your weekend is less hectic, and as always some links which have made my week.  Enjoy!


cute styling routine


why i don't feel too bad for not losing (all) the baby weight


way to go Iceland!


totally making this recipe!


this Amalfi infused lemonade


are you fully in the moment?


classy and fabulous beach outfit!


funny:  why the tooth fairy forgot to stop by


this nursery would make Indiana Jones proud!


from Etsy with love: this is the perfect Summer blog post! (even if you are Up North)


a dreamy Mallorca retreat


for parents:  this might be a growing epidemic


activism: so glad someone is capable of this!


About the photo:  This shot is of 15th avenue looking South, a block from our apt.  You can see the Washington Monument peeking out.  It reminded me of the Beatles photo on Abbey road.  Not that I was going for that.