Last: a quote I’ve found enormously helpful lately. And I’m not really a quote-y type. I came across it while working on a freelance editorial project recently for Parenting.com:
“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one.” — Jill Churchill
‘Tis the season to shop for others. But, you know, sometimes while you’re out there searching for the just-right something or browsing online for the best deal you can find, it just happens — through no fault of your own — that you stumble on something that YOU want or need.
Like Joe’s Jeans in 55 Colors. You probably need at least one pair, right? (Judging by how many of you clicked on my link to their site in a post last week, I’m guessing a few of you are thinking: YES.)
I’m eyeing cerise and purple passion. What about you?
I’ll totally tell Santa!
(Find Joe’s Jeans in all of their rainbow fabulous-ness at their pop-up shop at 77 Mercer Street bet Broome and Spring in Soho, at Bloomie’s, or online.)
Vintage Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments, pinned on Pinterest via Megduerksen.typepad
Countdown to Christmas, peeps — I could do with a little or a lot of the following:
* The FREE Curious Jane art-book-making event for girls at 61 Local in Carroll Gardens this weekend, Sunday from 11am – 1pm. You can totally drop your daughter and then go Christmas shopping — !!!.
* Pretty delicates from Journelle. (Can someone say “gift for mom?”)
* The Pioneer Woman’s Christmas Rum Cake. Chrissy made this last year and, dang, it’s good. Hello, spiked holiday cake! Yes, it involves a cake mix and instant pudding. Trust me — you won’t care.
How it is that I’ve been a Brooklyn mom for the last seven Halloweens and never been to the Botanic Garden’sGhouls & Gourds seasonal kid-fest, I do not know. But tomorrow I’ll right that wrong by putting the kids in their costumes (Darth Vader and “pink” Batgirl, in case you were wondering) and heading over for some fun, rain or shine. On tap: dancing, music, crafts, big puppets, books and authors, and the garden’s pretty fall colors.
* An over-priced but possibly irresistible little lounge-y chemise from Anthro that I can totally see myself padding around the house in this autumn. Mmm-hmmm.
* And…. Last: A little bit of life wisdom from working mom SJP — “The firsts go away — first love, first baby, first kiss. You have to create new ones.”
Keep it real, people. Keep it new, keep it fresh, keep it fun.
Last weekend I spent some long-overdue kid-free time in Austin with my BFF (thanks, Chrissy, for letting me jet off!) and, oh, but it was nice…. Can I get a repeat? In addition to long, uninterrupted chats with someone who’s known me for 20+ years, here’s the short version of what was on the agenda — I hope it inspires you to plan a little “me” time, too:
* Mexican martinis at Dos Salsas in Georgetown (mmm, see above. And here’s a recipe — I’d tweak the Sprite to a splash.)
* Patricia Clarkson on 7 Minutes in Heaven with Mike O’Brien. Do yourself a favor and watch this. It is highly enjoyable not only because Clarkson is super-appealing and slightly tipsy during the in-the-closet interview, but also because it introduced me to new lipstick shade Cherries in the Snow (which now resides in my handbag.)
* !It Jeans from Adelante — they hug, they’re snug, and they won’t set you back $200. (You’re welcome.) I snagged the My New Boy style, pictured below.
If fall has to come, at least I can be wearing these.
Vintage bowling lanes, transported to Austin from New Orleans.
* Big-time cheesy fun at Austin Karaoke. Thanks to my friend Debra, I no longer have to wonder what my karaoke songs would be — let’s just say Sheryl Crow, Journey, and the fine ladies of Heart were all paid tribute to. Surprisingly cathartic. They had to pry the mike out of my hands.
It’s no secret that Bensimon sneakers are a popular accessory — but that doesn’t mean I don’t love the French tennis shoes anyway. I adored my purpley-taupe slip-ons last summer, but I walk a ton with the kids and they wore out quickly.
So when we were in France in July, I was happy to see that this year’s version has a much sturdier sole. (And they were less expensive than they are at home. Score!)
I picked up the dark-plum pair of canvas lace-ups above. Wearing them in the sunshine this morning, I felt a teeny bit better about being back home. (But just a teeny bit.)
They come in every color under the sun, including many neutrals, but the brights are really grabbing me. You can buy them online from Bensimon USA ($55) or snag a pair locally at Eric Shoes on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope.
Despite the gloomy gray skies and intense news day, I’m looking forward to real, life-affirming spring weather — willing it to (finally!) come to New York City and settle in for real.
Happy feet: Bloch ballet flats, from Soula in Brooklyn, $125
It may not feel like it yet, but it’s spring — which means I’m looking forward to putting away the boots and moving on to flats and bare ankles. (Can sandals be far behind?)
I’m all for a cheap shoe fix at Target or on our annual shopping pilgrimage to Austin, but you get what you pay for, and this spring I decided to splurge on a pair of flats I don’t just like, I love.
I seem to go through a pair of black flats every year, but I’m hoping these Bloch ballet flats (above) will take me farther. The Australian shoemaker has been around since 1932 and made its name producing real ballet slippers and pointe shoes, but eventually added in footwear for ladies, girls, and toddlers. Find them in Brooklyn at Soula or browse their catalogues online.
The black flats I bought were soft and supple, with a flexible soul and reinforced heel — and they were INSTANTLY comfortable.
Melisa
