the in-between months

I have been on a hiatus.  This much I know.  My husband joked with me the other night about my very brief stint in the blogosphere.  I couldn't really tell him with any confidence why I have just dropped off, but alas, it just happened...I felt uninspired and just uninspiring.  And, maybe a little tired with the lack of sleep and the ever-present juggle of work and family. 

But, after we came back from a much-needed vacation to the country-side in Ireland, I guess I started to kind of miss it.  Could that be?  It's like that guy - that guy that tells his whole life story to the person he hardly knows in the seat next to him on the airplane (whether the seatmate likes it or not...;)).  I'm not sure who even reads this (besides my wonderful sister and my husband;)).  But I guess there is comfort about writing here.  In this space.  Into the great wide open.

So that's it, I'm back. 

For now. 

down the West Coast highway

I've been feeling very contemplative these days.  Not exactly sure why, but this photo taken on a trip down the West Coast highway, by this amazing photographer, Nate Bressler, sort of embraces you and makes you think. Doesn't it?  His work is so soft, beautiful and enlightening.  I am in awe. 

{photo via poppytalk}

baby scarf

My very first knit scarf for baby Jackson? Done, done, and done!  One very small feat, I admit, but, it feels great to just complete something!  Here he is trying it on for mommy and wearing the finished product before we went out for our Sunday walk through the neighborhood.  The yarn is so beautiful and soft with multiple shades of blue and gray splashed with purples and dark blues.  Love.

just january

Hello friends, sorry for the radio silence.  It has been a lovely January.  Just a few photos that will help remind me of the moments this past month.  As always, January flies by, but leaves behind some sweet memories...

post-script:  Turns out we have a little Jackson on our hands....Pollock, that is. The second pic was taken at the Children's Museum of Art in Soho. We listened to this lovely woman teach us about Jeff Koons, painted on silver colored paper with these beautiful bright colors, and wrote all over these big chalkboard tables. It was a blast. We plan on going back a few more times this cold winter...and, bonus, the paint is all washable:)

notecards and lists

I have to say when I saw these these notecards from Screech Owl Design I had a chuckle to myself.  I love the humor in each one of them.  I've decided for 2011 I'd like to get better at sending handwritten notes...thank-you, happy birthday, holiday, and even the "just because" kind of notes.  Perhaps a box set of these would get me started on the right foot:).

Why is that each day I find a few more New Years resolutions to add to my list? Here are a couple more:

*Play the radio...all the time (even on the weekends).  I love the radio.  There are some really great programs that I miss when Saturday rolls around.  I love the idea of walking into a house and the radio is  quietly whispering in the background.
*Make more with my hands.  By this, I mean more baking and cooking, but also knitting that scarf I've been thinking of for awhile, and sewing (though I admit that a sewing machine would help)...I admire all those that create with their hands and want to share in that creativity this new year.
*Learn to tell stories.  For those that know me, this is not an easy one;)  But I read this and it really makes me want to give it a go.

Do you guys have any resolutions this year?

...have a happy weekend everyone!

from Brooklyn to Paris

Found this sweet book today for one of my momma friends who is moving with her family at the end of the month to France.  The book follows this little sparrow, Emma, who leaves her friends and family behind in New York City and flies to Paris.  It is filled with colorful photo spreads of favorite spots throughout the city (like the Brooklyn Bridge and Orchard Street on the Lower East Side) with illustrations of Emma and the friends she meets along the way.  I had to read it again before I wrapped it up.  Plan on giving it to her tomorrow when we see her for a playdate.  Can't wait!

And, here is a shot of my little man running around the apartment yesterday. That face pretty much rules our weekends...;)

P.S. We must be the last people on earth to sign up on Skype and we had our first call from my sister tonight. It was soooo cool!  I'm hooked.

...hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

snow days

It's snowing again here in NYC today!  It's really coming down; the kind of snow fall with those really big snowflakes.  Here is a shot of Jackson after a sleigh ride on New Year's Eve - just one of many sleigh rides this winter I'm sure.  Much to his daddy's delight, he can't get enough of the snow! 

During these snow days, when we might not get outside to explore or play with his buddies, keeping Jackson occupied can sometimes be a challenge.  NYC apartments almost never allow for enough running room it seems.  Thank goodness Christmas has just ended and we have all those new books to read and toys to play with and explore!  

the little things

I'm back!  I took a little hiatus for the holidays (aka totally slacked and couldn't bring myself to think about anything else but "maximizing" the rest of our Christmas...!)  

Today I came upon this fun collection of 50 snowglobes via Anthology.  The LA Times runs a column of various collections of 50 of just about anything from classic movie kisses to poker chips to vintage beer cans to snowglobes.  The snowglobes were the funnest to peruse.  Mostly because my adorable nephew had his own list going.  His favorite gift this Christmas of all the stacks of presents he received?  A tiny snowglobe from grandma and grandpa. 

I think he just gave me my first new year's resolution, one which I am getting better at but have to remind myself every now and again.  To relax, breathe, and treasure the little things in life.   

Happy New Year Everyone!

holiday props

How adorable are these printable props from etsy?  Perfect idea for a holiday card photo shoot or photo booth props at a winter wedding?  Love the idea for the holidays and may have to keep it in my back pocket for when Jackson gets old enough to not eat the reindeer nose!

green gifts...or not

Here is a cool list of "green" gift ideas if you are still searching for that special something.  Unfortunately, I am just about done with my Christmas shopping this year (thank you, Amazon.com) so I can't take advantage this season.  The hand-made scarves and bags are my fav though.

Of course, if you are REALLY trying to be "green", giving the gift of a small donation to your favorite charity, giving some home-made treats like these delicious cookies, a nice meal out together, or recycling with a vintage find from the Brooklyn Flea will probably do the trick!

{photos:  Sammy Handmade, Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It, Roberts Revival Radio}