DIY ombre paper mobile

I have been thinking on a craft using the ombre technique, so trendy right now, and finally came up with a cute one to share.  It's so easy, and fun, and if you don't have a scallop punch, you can use any other one.  In fact, it would look as fancy in any other shape. For the tutorial, keep reading.

Quoting Nora Ephron

I love Nora Ephron.  She was wit and wisdom personified.  She was famous for her films.  A humorous chronicler of contemporary culture.  Only recently I started reading her books. The last one a few weeks ago.  I Feel Bad About my Neck.  It's so good. Really.  Like her other books, I couldn't put it down.  Here are a few lines that really stuck with me:

The mom stays in the picture

I love the wisdom of Allison's words when she wrote a piece for the Huffington Post urging mothers to stay in their children's pictures.  I AM so guilty of the opposite.  Having taken hundreds of pictures of my daughter with my camera and cellphone, I went looking for a decent picture of us among them after reading her article, and it made me sad to realize I was only visible in less than 10.  This is a dismay.  I'm correcting this right away.  I want my children to see me in pictures.  To see their mom, young, vibrant, tired, overwhelmed but perfectly part of their lives.  I went browsing through my childhood albums, and my own mother was absent in many of them.  She was the picture taker, yet she could have easily handed someone else the camera.  So I went and dug the only pictures I have with my baby daughter to show you here.  I'm not perfect, in fact, I don't like how I look in them, but they are the ONLY pictures she'll see of me at this age.

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!

Home companion: Bookshelves

Via From Scandinavia with love

I know this is not your traditional bookcase-filled with books. But I love the vibe of this room, and the shelves is what makes this room pop with visual interest!  A whimsical modern touch that makes me giggly and ready to tackle any craft, reading or fun activity!  A family room with an equally substantial family bookcase!

KidsZone: Zara Home for kiddos!

It's true!  Zara Home has arrived!  And the objects of my affection are stunningly beautiful.

 I'm personally loving this rug for Emilu's space, and this tiny woven wooden chair. Visit Zara Home for kids!

Married in Manhattan

On Memorial Day weekend my brother in law and his beautiful fiancee tied the knot in a series of events that not only were fun and jubilant, but celebrated who they are, as individuals, in each others' lives. 

I loved the no-fuss wedding from the start.  The officiant was a long time musician friend, and the wedding was full of them.  One of the groomsmen, another long time friend, played Mendelssohn in his best George Harrison as they walked down the "aisle."  They held each others' hands til death do them 'part.

The ceremony and reception, followed by an intimate, seated 4-course lunch took place in one of their favorite restaurants in the East Village.  This is where they had their first date four years ago, and to commemorate this, the owners of the restaurant set the small patio table, where they ate that first evening, with candle lights.  Close family and friends gathered around in the small but cozy restaurant and watched them exchanged vows. Followed by emotional and funny toasts; recollections about their years in high school; their passions growing up and the friendships made along the way, which brought some people to tears, and others to deep belly laughs.  Various generations conglomerated in that tiny room. Forty-six handpicked and very special individuals filled the room, in the words of the bride, "with two simple feelings so palpable in this very room: generosity and loyalty, we thank you for being here," to celebrate this joyous occasion.  And by the way, beautiful brides, do toast at their own wedding!

The photographer was the bride's sister, and a few friends, including me, took up to the task of embossing the day's images with extra cameras to ensure they had plenty of memories to look at. 

Of course, there's isn't anything closer to a NYC event than an after-party, and the groom is the king of the after parties.  After the memorable lunch, we walked a few city blocks to a lounge with a roof terrace, to keep the momentum going.  The rest of their friends joined us and we danced, and drank, and had a great time!  I loved how the groom's DJ friends stepped in to provide the music. And the cigar boxes, provided by my dad, were a huge hit, as the men (and some women)  proceeded to enjoy their puffs.  (Thanks, dad!)

The last venue, another bar a few blocks east, welcomed us with an assortment of delicious dumplings, provided by a friend of the groom and bride, including an edemame one that was just heavenlicious!  What a great New York wedding this was.  Cheers to the lucky couple!