Real Life in the Living Room

We truly live in our living room.  This is where we hang, where we entertain, where we play.  So the challenge of incorporating the things that come with having a baby and now toddler into this space was a bit of a challenge.  Before I had her, I did not realize that toys were more for the parents than the child. I suppose that is an obvious point but it had just never occurred to me.

for the renovation obsessed, here is the scary before

After a bit of struggle, I think I've finally struck a good balance between function and form.  While it's not magazine perfect by any means, it still feels open and organized while having lots of entertaining options to keep Aggie busy. Sure it feels like a Toys R Us threw up in here sometimes but at least it only takes a few moments to put things away.

The sideboard behind the couch is stuffed with baby accessories and pajamas since dragging her up and down the stairs to change is less than ideal.  Maybe this will change as she gets older and can dress herself but for now it works for us and no one is the wiser.

You already know about the play table and play kitchen.  She uses that every single day so having it where she can get the most use of it just makes sense.

Finally the toy chest - the biggest concession by far - was definitely a good decision that took me far too long to make.  This book and toy storage piece holds so much stuff, is the perfect height for "self serve" and clean up, is not terrible on the eyes and is a steal at less than $100.  Before I broke down and got this piece we were using these 3 Sprouts storage bins which are also great for just toys but I wanted her to be able to grab books as well.

What do you think?  For those of you with one living space and kids, what are your solutions for a happier life?

This week in microfashion...

Alternate title: A queen and her cat.



Oh, the princess stuff. I try to walk a fine line but I have my own internal struggle on the issue. I'm oddly both delighted and repulsed.  I want her to enjoy being a girl without being defined by it.  Part of me thinks this is what 2 years old like, it's not going to have a lasting impact on her internal motivation and self image. The other part of me watches Cinderella and wonders why couldn't have she just walked out and saved herself - and why am I showing this to my impressionable child?

Clearly this is my problem, not hers. I think Cinderella Ate My Daughter will be my next read.

Moms of girls - what do you think?

A moment of zen...

Pretty much every morning, I sit at this table to drink my wake up coffee in the early morning peace. This little dining room table garden is my view.  It's really no substitute for spring but I'm not complaining.



And yes, I have managed to keep these orchids alive by doing almost nothing to them for weeks.  How can I not love that?

Annual Photobook Complete

Checking off a personal to-do, our 2014 year in review photo book is here. It's one of those things I push myself to get done by February because I know if I wait, I'll be tempted by good weather and it will fall the wayside. Starting with travel books in 2009, 2010 and 2011, it then morphed into more of a  year in review in 2012. Last year's book was supplanted by an baby's first year book since that made the most sense. Now back to a year in review style. I love having the years most important photos in physical form.



Once again I used Blurb to make my annual book - mostly because I've used them so many years now and I want the book to be the same size. Up until now I've been really pleased with the company but this year was a little bit disappointing. The book is still a good quality piece at a reasonable price but they made two changes this year I wasn't crazy about. First they changed the software which made it much more annoying to line up photos correctly. Since I use a lot of collage layouts that was a lot of spot checking and editing to get it right. Second, they changed the size slightly so now its a tiny bit longer which means the books don't line up perfectly anymore. A small annoyance but I might just look for another supplier next year. Any suggestions?

If you can't see the preview above click here to flip through our 2014

Must Make: Pom Pom branches

How did I not think of this? Genius idea from the inter webs that I have somehow missed.  Pom pom + branches = cheap and whimsical decor. This particularly lovely example from The Surznick Common Room.



If you wanted to be really crazy, you could buy a huge sack of pom poms to pomify your backyard!  I think I'll save that idea for a future Easter egg hunt.

Recipe: No Knead Irish Soda Bread

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, famous for corn beef and green beer but my personal favorite March treat is Irish Soda bread.



I was fortunate to practically live in the house of an Irish friend growing up and grew addicted to her mother's amazing soda bread.  I've been chasing that childhood memory for years.



A true Irish Soda bread requires cutting cold butter into the flour in such a way that doesn't overwork the dough but evenly distributes the butter.  I have come to accept this as one of the skills I will never master.  So I'm happy to share this recipe for Irish Soda bread that requires no such special technique that is almost as good as that mythical childhood version.  This recipe is easy even for the novice baker (like me).



For those of you who aren't familiar with Soda Bread, its a cross between a sweet bread and a scone with a crusty exterior and flaky inside.  It's especially delish slathered with Irish butter and served with a cup of tea. If you've never had it, I urge you to throw this recipe together and let me know what you think.

May the road rise to meet you & the wind be at your back this St. Patrick's Day and always.

Obsessed: Party Barn

I will be the first to admit: I'm very much a city mouse and that isn't going to change.  But anyone who knows me well knows that should I ever cast off city life in favor of country expanse, there are a few must haves in my imaginary country house.  One of those things is a party barn.  (Granted, if I move away I will have no one to party with me in this party barn but allow me my fantasy)





So when I stumbled upon this VRBO listing, I had to share it because it has that perfectly cozy rustic vibe that would make for some beautiful celebrations. Just take out the beds and this is the perfect party barn. Now if I could just fit this in my Brooklyn backyard!

Meeting the Mouse

[image source]

It's no surprise that I like to travel and I tend to prefer the more exotic locales to the closer, easier type. So it might surprise you that I'm beyond excited about our next trip: meeting the mouse via a short Disney Cruise and one day at Magic Kingdom.

We have cruised before but we have never gone with Disney. I've never heard anything but amazing reviews so I'm dying of curiosity - what is so magical about it? why does it command so much of a premium vs. other cruise lines? Does it really live up to the hype? We picked a 3 day to get a taste of it to see for ourselves.

Since we were going to be to in the area we figured we would add on to our little trip by spending a couple of days in Orlando and taking Aggie to Magic Kingdom. Whether she is too young or not is definitely up for debate. Some say its too soon and some tell me its the perfect age. We plan to take it easy by doing the park for just one day and not try to cram too much in. Time will tell if it was a good call.

So for those of you have been on a Disney cruise or Magic Kingdom, I'd love to hear suggestions/tips/reviews. Especially would love to know what activities/rides should I seek out for the highest fun factor with a 2 year old.

Flashback Friday: Sculptey Clay Custom Key Catch Plate

A little flashback for this Friday of the perfect craft to do while keeping toasty warm indoors.  No painting required and you even have to turn on the oven.

Using any old key and a lump of clay, I made a simple landing spot for my keys. Read all about it here.

F❤vorite Things for March

In like a lion, out like a lamb.  It's my mantra lately to remind me spring is around the corner. Come on, mother nature, we are all ready for you!

A little bleak end of winter pickup is some retail therapy.  Here are my favorite things for March.

1. Simplicity Tunic - It's just a basic striped shirt but it's my new favorite staple.  I've worn it when in winter with a turtleneck underneath or alone for warmer temps.  I generally can't order anything from Modcloth because everything is very short waisted but this tunic is perfect.

2. Ipanema Sandal - Ok I realize this kind of footwear is probably not on the top of your list right now but keep them in mind for summer. I ordered them on a whim before our Dubai trip and wore them all week long. I rarely can find a shoe that doesn't require some breaking in period but these were great. Cheap, comfortable and durable - works equally well with capris, shorts or maxi dresses.  I want them in every color!

3. Cauliflower - I live in Brooklyn so it's probably somehow breaking my contract not to love Kale. We just never got along but meet my new BFF -  Cauliflower.  It had a big popularity boost back when Atkins was all the rage and people swore to me it could be made into mashed potatos (Um, no!)  Thankfully I gave it another try and I'm crazy for it.  Simply cut, toss with a little olive oil and roast in the oven.  It's goooood.  Throw a few browned butter breadcrumbs on top and you've elevated it to a dinner party side.

4. Cheap Orchids - (I'm looking at you ikea!) Affordable, low maintenance, bloom for months and remind me of warmer months.  Why do I always forget about you cheap orchids?  You are my flower booty call that I take for granted. I can never seem to get them to re-bloom once they wither but for $10, I'll take 3 months of pretty flowers happily.

5. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Geranium- No newsflash here, everyone loves this stuff. I just resisted and clung to my bottle of windex (yes, I windex everything!) for far too long.  I just love the geranium scent. I'm addicted.

Anything new favorites in your life? Please share!

Jenny Lind Bed Thrifted!

Guess who is the proud owner of one pre-owned Jenny Lind twin bed?



After a year of stalking Craigslist I had just about given up and was seriously considering buying new.  Then several of you alerted me to a listing on a local parenting board of this one.  We made a deal and now it's mine. THANK YOU SO MUCH!  You have no idea how excited I am.



I had to quickly make room in here so I gave the full bed to my brother so I had some room to move around. (If you are interested in that black framed mirror and you are local, drop me a line. I'd be happy for it to find a new home).  The artwork and card catalog will have to be relocated somewhere else around here because I love them both but they don't work with what I have in mind for this room.

I plan on waiting until I paint the room to decide if I'll leave the bed white or paint it a fun color. I'm currently going back and forth on the idea of painting the whole room black or the whole room a bright white.  Decisions, decisions!

I also have to get a mattress. I'm thinking of this foam one - very well reviewed but surprisingly cheap from Amazon.  Anyone have this or something like it and have a review?

Obviously there is a lot more to come in here.