Anthology

I'm so excited for this new magazine focused on decor and design called Anthology!  They have just recently released their first issue and I am looking forward to checking it out!  I was so sad to see Domino go and consider it a treat to pick up an issue of Dwell and flip through the pages on a rainy Sunday afternoon (maybe while Jeff watches football).  Sadly, those days are few and far between, but a girl can dream!

jake and maya

Woah.  Check out this chic line of clothing here and here.  I'd love that little number up top for Jackson for the fall one day.  The ruffles, the buttons, the detail are all so adorable!

what i treasure

Before another busy week begins, I couldn't resist posting some shots from my parents' house over the weekend.  We had fun with the family as always.  We ate a ton and packed our fridge full of goodies that will last us at least a week or two! Jackson came home exhausted from having a blast playing with his cousins, his aunts, and his lolo and lola!  The kids were very busy.  They found lots of "treasures" on their bike ride and took a little break with some lemonade pops on the front lawn. Jackson found his to be a little tart!  

Well, the weekend is almost over.  Boo.  Here's hoping that the week goes by just as fast as the weekend did...

low and slow

I wanted to share one of the simplest cooking methods for salmon that I tried on Friday night.  I read about slow-roasting salmon here and here.  I decided to try it with the ingredients that I had on hand.  Here is the gist.  Set the oven at 250 degrees. A little salt, pepper and olive oil on the fish.  Put the two pieces of salmon on top of some sliced fennel and lemon.  30 minutes and done!  I just sprinkled on some fennel fronds for garnish.  

The best part of this cooking method, besides the delicious perfectly cooked salmon?  It's completely fine if you leave the salmon in the oven for longer than the 30 mins. No need to watch over it.  Apparently, there no way to overcook the salmon.  These easy recipes really come in handy nowadays!;)  

our long weekend

We had such a great time in Philly over Labor Day weekend!  I have to say that in the years that my sister has lived there, I didn't spend much time at all trying to get to know the city or see what it had to offer.  This time was different.  We took our time, strolled around the tree-lined streets, peeked inside some gorgeous townhouses and saw these colorful doorways by Rittenhouse Square.  

We ate cheesesteaks, took Jackson to the Please Touch Museum, walked along the Schuylkill River, dipped our feet in the fountain at Logan Square, had a blast at the biggest playground I've ever seen, and went to some great gastropubs and bakeries (and didn't have to wait a second for a table!).  

Philly is such a lovely city with plenty of things to do and see - especially for Jackson!  Can't wait to visit you again, Ding!

love, loans + linens

Oh goodness! I love everything about this sweet store (including its name) which sadly is in Australia.  However, lucky us! They just recently launched their online store!  They have everything from childrens' toys, paper goods, linens, and custom burlap table cloths. 

I am gathering ideas for Jackson's first birthday party.  I feel a little all over the place, to be honest.  But so far, I am thinking about a nature scavenger hunt (similar to this but a little more "home-made") for the kiddies and that notepad might work perfect for it!

Oh, and if you have any birthday party ideas for the wee little ones, please pass them my way! 

fabulous friday

Another fabulous Friday: Lunch with Jeff, Jackson and my besties at Schiller's which was noted in nymag as a kid-friendly restaurant.  I was skeptical since I have been there for lunch and dinner and it can sometimes be very loud and crowded.  But, the waiter was cool and friendly and Jackson batted a few eyelashes at the hostess.  Pretty cute.  

I took one look at the kids menu and thought it was adorable.  Love the font, the blue and red.  It sort of has a nautical feel to it - great color scheme for a nursery I think!  

We all had a great time!  Kisses, Ellen and Heather!

....happy weekend!

turkish towels

I am certain that I am late to the party on the fabulousness of these turkish bath towels. Read here and here and here.  But I love the soft-ness and luxurious-ness of them.  I have thoughts of using it as a table cloth.  Or, slip on a pair of jeans and a crisp white T and using it as a shawl on a cool night!  I've been holding off on my purchase since they are a little pricey, but I think today is the day.  I found them on etsy for half the price!!  Fantastic stuff.

habit

Check out this blog I just came upon via soulemama.  Love that their intention is to simply make a "habit" of capturing the beauty and joy in their everyday lives (much like this sweet pic!) - something that I think we all want to do. I know I do - in my mind anyway, if not on camara.  I will add it to my list of morning reads - maybe you will too! 

...happy thursday!

(Photo via habit)

hudson valley part 2

here are a few more shots of our rental in the woods.  we replaced the loud hum of subway cars, trucks and cars with the sweet sound of the crickets.   we were tucked away with no neighbors in sight - just me and the boys.  i highly recommend.