Princess party

Another princess party; why do these fascinate me? Aside from the fact that I had my son first (and got thoroughly involved in his interests like ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and cars) … and now all this ‘girl stuff’ feels NEW to me, perhaps? As if I’m adjusting to a whole new set of criteria to be aware of?

Or maybe I’m amazed at how Zoe and her girlfriends have an innate ability to coordinate princess outfits already?

I guess I’ve never really been a very ‘girlie’ girl growing up (or maybe my mom would disagree?) If I was, it didn’t really ever carry over to my parties and I don’t know that I ever enjoyed dressing like a princess. But Zoe seems to tolerate itchy fabrics and tripping on miles of tule better than I do.

I couldn’t help but but feel like an anthropologist watching the party-goers live in a princess-world for hours. But all my analysis aside, this party was just too cute NOT to share. With a ‘pin the kiss on the frog’ game, castle, crown-making and all (and those Zulily Fairy cupcakes and bags, amazing!)

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Spring Beautiful Things

photos from ohhappyday.com

Since we’ve had a couple warm days this week I must admit, I wasn’t perusing blogs like I usually do. But these little gems did catch my eye and I had to share. Have a great weekend!

– Zoe is so into watching flowers bloom this season, I’d love to make her this hat.

– A dad does hair with a vacuum. I could’ve used this for Zoe’s dance recital!

– Performance art meets soliciting on the subway. This is hilarious!

– Pretty little girl’s room.

– A very cool consignment shop in Virginia.

– Have your heard of quilling? Amazing!

– Cutest pinterest page ever of kid’s stuff.

– Time to build this in our garden – our kids would love it.

– Can’t wait to take Ezra to this fuel efficient car show. (Thanks Jill!)

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Some Beautiful Things before Spring Break

Photo from ohthelovelythings.com

I feel like my quest for Beautiful Things has been hampered lately by chasing kids, their schedules, an upcoming ballet recital, a huge homework packet … you know the mamma drill. But I did manage to find some things that evoke spring before frolicking with the kids (both of them, now that Ezra has some time off from school finally).

Enjoy!

– Favorite spring picture books.

– Some beautiful spring colors and eggs (for Passover or Easter or just as a symbol of renewal.)

– More lovely lively colors to take my head out of winter.

– Colorful coats for the end of the season, and don’t forget the red lipstick again!

– It’s fascinating to see children around the world with their favorite things.

– And just cute kids in general, on film, saying some great stuff (love the one about Valentine’s Day!)

– A great lunch option, I’m about to Google whether or not bulgur wheat is kosher for Passover.

– What do to with your cherry tomatoes when they go past their prime.

– Pretty macaroons!

– Do you remember when Banana Republic Merchandise looked like this?

– A kosher-for-Passover treat and favorite at our house.

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Beautiful Things Friday – more snow for us!

Can you believe this delicious thing is made from avocados? Photo from Gluten Free Gus.

Well we woke to a blanket of snow this a.m. and it’s still going. I imagine this weekend will be filled with hours of sledding or some indoor activities. Stay warm and dry and enjoy!

– I plan on giving this recipe a test drive this weekend. If it’s a success it will be my go-to dessert for Passover.

– More fun things to do with food coloring! I love the ice marble idea.

– These incredible gowns remind me of blue onion china, with a twist.

– Two talented brothers make beautiful art together. I love their ant pin.

– What a foxy dog.

– Mark Molloy’s photos put me in the mood for a summer retreat (and eating.)

– Look at this amazing play space in Chicago! We will be spending a lot of time in ours this weekend.

– Summer fun colors. I’m ready for it.

– And don’t forget the red lipstick.

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Happy Birthday Leap Year baby

Today is E and Z’s dad’s birthday. Well really, his birth date is Feb 29 but today will do. Among many of our beautiful things this Friday is the arrival of March, this amazing blueberry cake, and the fact that my husband was born somewhere within the hours between yesterday and today.

We love you birthday boy!

And some other beautiful things:

– Some adorable sushi cupcakes.

– I’ve been dreaming about this ever since seeing the recipe. Yum.

– An array of foot fashion from all the Fashion Weeks.

– And now I want to get some metallic shoes!

– Some beautiful photos from a man who use to live in our apartment building.

– MMmmmm blood orange margaritas!

– For our moms on the ‘other side of the pond’ – a great location for lunch.

– A beautiful way to make menus or invites, and a fun kid project.

– Pretty mini-egg carton vase.

– Beautiful candid photos of kids.

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Reaching new heights – and other beautiful things

Today is Ezra’s 100th Day of School – a day that is celebrated by kids making a poster of 100 things, and presenting it at school. It was kind of hysterical seeing a sea of small kids practically sailing to school this morning with their large poster boards in hand, the cold wind pushing them along. I wish I had time this a.m. to photograph Ezra’s poster of a brain bursting with 100 star stickers, his ‘one new thing learned each day’. But alas, the a.m. is too frantic and crazy for me to remember to pull out a camera.
Instead I think this photo says it all. Last week Ezra climbed to the top of the ‘spider web’ (as he calls it) in his old school. It use to terrify him to do this. He was so proud. Really – where does the time go? I know it’s such a cliche but they really do grow so fast.

And because it’s Friday and because I’m still obsessed with teepees, making things of cardboard, and having fun indoors while it’s cold – here’s our weekly list of beautiful things:

– Got a big box? Make an indoor slide.

– Turn that old dress into a teepee!

– So much beautiful wood… look at that headboard.

– Paper maps of various cities.

– I love these painted floors

– Amazing hats, and the studio – don’t you just want to live in there?

– Some fun photos of my old neighborhood.

– An amazing discovery – nanny turned photographer who left gorgeous photos behind.

– Stylish rebels: best dressed men ever.

– This weekend is Purim! We are breaking out these costumes again and hope to try this hamentashen recipe – yum!

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Kat Teutsch photos

This is another photographer who I met at a portfolio review. Kat Teutsch’s interior shots are amazing – I love the palettes of the rooms in her photos. (Do you think she had some Cat In the Hat inspiration?) Those turquoise-blues with red! And don’t even get me started on her gorgeous food photography. With her permission I’ve put together some of her photos here – to brighten up the winter blas I’m feeling today. Are you getting the urge to repaint your apartment yet?

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Beautiful Things Friday – baby it’s cold outside…

photo from the seventytree blog

Really could it get any colder? We are starting to go a little stir crazy indoors but honestly, it hurts to expose even a nose in this weather.

Some things to warm you:

– The perfect snowman. And some more here.

– If near a fireplace, start up the s’mores.

– Now that Zoe has had a tea party, I’m kinda craving one for big girls.

– And speaking of tea, check out these adorable tea cups.

– Stuck inside? My kids love to make a fort.

– This weekend is Tu Bishvat and we’ll be reading this book. I love the illustrations by Marc Simont.

– Speaking of trees, spare one and upcycle an old wood crib. What a great idea!

– How to do ‘little trees’ (as my kids call them) right… and quick!

– New thing I learned: Frost Flowers?

– Can you be up for this challenge of photographing your kids at least once a week? This underwater shot is the best.

– The prettiest dresses. I want them all!

– Getting excited about Valentine’s Day? I love this Valentine idea for kids.

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A little tea party –

Mostly in honor of her 3rd birthday, but also to celebrate some recent potty training and sleeping in her own bed: Her Majesty had a bit of brunch and tea over the weekend. Our teapot started out white, and was then decorated with stickers and washable markers. Some wands were made, and a Pinkalicious pink picnic blanket was spread for a tea party with sweet chamomile tea and tiny-hand-sized croissants. I think she now wants to make this a weekly habit. And who could blame her?

I’m ready for some tea

some friends who just moved here from Cali were roped in

the tea pot started out white..

so happy my brother likes Pinkalicious too!

and Dora, and Hello Kitty, and Minnie Mouse…

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More Beautiful Things for a cold Friday

Instagram shot by Ben Blair.

– Oh how I want to be Betty. I need to take the kids to Paris soon.

– YUM hot chocolate made with coconut milk!

– Have you seen these fireflies in Japan?

– E and Z’s dad deserves this great new mag for dads.

– I tried to design something like this in college but it didn’t turn out nearly as great.

– Get ready for valentine’s day – send some love in a box.

– My stylist friend from Martha Stewart taught me that grey and white are great in kids’ rooms (or anywhere else). Here’s a great example.

– Living small is a virtue.

– More beautiful bird nests.

– Something new I learned about this week: vertical gardens.

– Can I live here please? And Ezra will take the car.

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