Photoshoot Gone Bad!

Last week we went to the mall to take Christmas photos. I was hoping to re-create the aesthetic of my childhood Christmas photos...cheerful Christmas setting...happy smiling child. I spent time and money styling two separate "looks",  got the kids ready, made it to the mall on time, and low and behold Stella decided to have a classic meltdown right there in the photo studio. I was crushed! The perfect Christmas photo I had idealized were not to be realized. Isabel was upset because she wanted to have her photo taken. I couldn't exactly have taken her picture only...hmmm...photoshop Stella in?

My photo when I was young.

I decided to look at the bright side...kids got to play at the mall.

...and eat McDonald's pancakes (don't judge)!

oh...and Isabel got these Sketchers sneakers!

Our New Home!

What a weekend! We woke up in Brooklyn and instantly wished we were back in our new house! The weekend was so crazy and full of excitement! House closing, house exploring ( is this really our house)?, raking leaves, shopping, exploring the town, meeting with friends (who also have a home in Woodstock), meeting with caretaker, neighbors, landscaper, I could go on and on. There are so many things I want to tell you but I am not sure I could even explain the feeling that this house has already provided me. 

One thing I will share, that I found most interesting, is the difference in attitude the people in Woodstock (and upstate for that matter) have from those in NYC. Woodstock folk are much more sensitive and we quickly realized we will need to tread lightly. First example...there is not much tolerance for small children fussing in restaurants (even for two minutes)...second example don't call people more than once to get things done...they will call you back when they are good and ready! 

Overall the most important lesson I learned is that a house is only as good as the family inside! Without the kids and Valentino the house has no heart and soul...you can buy a sofa, table, bed, etc...but friends and family are the foundation of a home! 

I was so busy all weekend taking it all in that I didn't take many photos...here are the ones I did take...I will take more for sure in the coming weeks.

This is the living room...one of the only things the previous owners left were these shelves. 

First night we lit a fire and slept on the mattress in the living room...my idea of course!

Living room with a few toys strewn across the room...

They also left this kitchen table (thankfully)... coffee and Sunday Times made for a relaxing Sunday morning.

Kitchen view...I tried to include the skylight but this photo doesn't do it justice.

Adventuring...Let the New Chapter Begin!

Hello! Wow! Tonight out new home adventure begins! We will drive 2.5hrs upstate, stay with our friends in New Paltz, and by 2pm tomorrow have the keys to our house in Woodstock! How cool is that! I am sure we will feel a combination of emotions...excitement (looking forward to making memories), anxiety (what have we just done)???, relief (finally...the waiting game is over) and so on...but for now I am going to follow the advice below!

I am signing off for the rest of the week today,  as I will not have internet service for the remainder of the weekend! Have a good one!

All photos taken from Pinterest.

Welcome to the World Andrew Mark!

Isabel and Jack...January 2013.

Kelly...1981. I think Jack looks alot like her...but he is a good combination of both of them!

Today my favorite sister Kelly is having a baby! This will be her second boy! Jack was born in April of 2012 and Andrew will be born today. If all goes according to plan he should arrive around 8am! Congratulations Kelly! You and Chris make cute kids! Can't wait to meet baby Andrew!

Dinner Date With an Artist.

I particualry liked the utters and smile on the side of the face.

Last night Valentino and I took Isabel on an impromptu 'date.' Whenever I am getting ready to go out at night, Isabel is always asking why she can't come along to the 'party' so last night we decided to show her what adult dinners are all about. It worked out perfectly really. Stella was home with a babysitter and after ballet I met Valentino at his work...did a little shopping... and then we all went for dinner. When the waiter came around Isabel asked if they had any paper and crayons...we all had a little chuckle (this wasn't exactly The Crackle Barrel)... she settled for a receipt and pen. This morning Valentino was rifling through his pocket and found the drawing that she had done. I was "utterly" (hehe)  impressed with the accuracy of the cow she drew. Check it out! I couldn't have drawn a better cow (really I couldn't have)!

...more of her artwork below if you'd like to see...

Here is the art wall we have created in our kitchen...

....in the hallway...

...and in her bedroom.

Be Grateful!

'Many Thanks' card from Greenwich Letterpress

With Thanksgiving soon approaching let's discuss well... giving thanks.  Did you know that it is scientifically proven that one of the greatest contributing factors to our overall happiness lies in being grateful! Yep...not money, success, or fame...but gratitude!

 So without further ado...Here's what I am thankful for today!

-Chance to enjoy an unseasonably warm spring-like day yesterday (it was in the mid-60's)!

-My new babysitter who is almost always available at last minute's notice

-The color red...I must be in the holiday spirit already because I have been purchasing everything in red 

-The free turkey we received for purchasing $150 of groceries! 

and finally...

-Patience... to know that good things will come to those who wait (this one is hard for me)!

And it goes without saying...but these two too!

Boxcycles

How cool are these bikes? One of the moms at ballet uses one to shuffle her twins around. I see it parked outside of ballet each week recently asked her about it. She said she uses it rain or shine (and snow) brave woman! I was surprised to hear that she parks it outside her apartment with a super- mega heavy- duty lock! After I saw the super- mega heavy- duty price tag (read $2800) I thought that was even braver than using the bike!

Santa if your reading...I've been a really good girl this year!