She's Here!

Forgive my absence but I've been a bit busy...having a baby! She's finally here. And she's beautiful. She's the most beautiful girl in the world.

Sweet dreams Juliet, sweet dreams.

Hmmmmm...

A recent pix of Jessica Simpson. Love the outfit or hate it??

People.com

Daily Thanks

Yesterday I was online searching for a unique gift for my bf Melisa's bday and I came across a book that peaked my interest. It's called a Gratitude Journal. It lets you, or reminds you, to keep a daily record of things you have to be thankful for.

My husband and I were discussing what kind of bedtime ritual we were going to teach our upcoming little one and I remembered that my parents had me list what and who I was thankful for after I said my prayers at night. Needless to say, this list would go on, and on, on. They would fall asleep before I did! This journal reminds me of that and how, as an adult, I could use a reminder of all of the things and people I am thankful for.

Ice Cold Pops Here!

How appealing do flavored ice pops sound right about now? Recently I bought these shooting star ice pop molds and have been testing different recipes out in the kitchen. 
Check Amazon.com

I just made watermelon pops (watermelon, ice, sugar, and a dash of salt) and I really don't like them :( Good news is Jason does. I'm researching some more ice pop recipes, but please pass on any you may have!

Cafe Zupas ice pops

Margarita ice pops on epicurious

Lounge Lizard

One of the bonuses of our new place is the balcony. We have a great view of the Manhattan skyline and soon I will be lounging away with a frosty cold martini in hand while staring at the Empire State Building.

We are looking into lounge chairs and tables for the space. Here's what I've come up with thus far...a bit $$ but I figure we will get great use out of them!

From Frontgate comes this lounger for two. $2,549

Another Frontgate favorite. $1,049

Pottery Barn's All Weather Wicker Day Bed. $1,999

Finally MY favorite. From grandinroad this ultimate lounger reminds me of resting on a beach in the Carribean. $1,499

In Love

with this movie. Here's the latest from Sofia Coppola. I fall in love with her cinematography and her soundtracks every time :)

Heat Wave Hell

It is seriously hot in NYC this week. So I am trying to keep myself busy in a/c filled rooms only. This week I'm getting the 'baby section' in our bedroom ready since she's going to be sleeping in our room for the first couple months.

I got a fab bassinet from my girlfriends Ann and Kristen, so I washed her comfy sheets and dressed her bed. The bassinet plays soft lullabies and rocks by itself with a touch of a button. I also cleared off my dresser to make room for her changing pad and diaper caddy filled with diapers and Mustela products. I've also got a diaper genie and a white wicker basket for her dirty clothes placed in the corner. Luckily our new apartment has large bedrooms and we can fit her necessities and ours with room to spare.

The First Years Sway 'N Soothe Auto Rocking Bassinet by Learning Curve

Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Newborn Diapers & Wipes

Baby Mustela Newborn Gift Set

70s Girl

Last night Jason and I started putting the nursery together and I got the chance to look at all of the baby clothes we received. I am just loving the 70s inspired outfits she's going to wear! She's going to look so fab from 0-3 months (even if she gets a little spit up on them).

Target: Circo $6

Target: Circo $7.99

Carters: $7

Etsy: Lady Out of Carolina $17.99

Curtain Call

Things are moving slowly along with our move. Every time we think we are done, we realize we have yet another project to finish. While my husband does all of the heavy lifting I am on curtains. I need curtains for our living room windows. The room is mostly white and beige so I am looking for something that is serene with a bit of color. What do you think of these?

Anthropologie $108.00

World Market $34.99

Smith and Noble $119.00

The Nursery Furniture

We are moving in slowly but surely. The nursery project is just underway. We've got the paint on, the crib put together and now we are waiting on delivery of her dresser/changer. I've sorted all of her darling clothes into different sizes and I think she's got enough for her and her friends! Gifts have been pouring in from friends and family, and we couldn't be more appreciative. For our baby gift my parents hired painters to repaint the entire apartment and bought us our baby furniture. This was a HUGE help for us. The babe is going to be one lucky (and spoiled) little girl!!

Here's my crib. It's the Peyton Classic Crib in white. Whatcha think?

 












And for the dresser/changer- Da Vinci Kalani Combo Dresser in white.

And every mom needs a rocker/slider. I chose the Round Back Cushion Glider in white from Target.

I'm Here!

Hi! I'm here but haven't written in a while due to a little insanity going on. I had several weddings to attend, a funeral, and I moved into a new place....all while being 9 months pregnant. So, I've been crazy busy and tend to need a nap every couple of hours!!

I will update this week with lots of fun stuff though. Maybe new updates on the apartment and the upcoming babe...

xo Mel

His Holyness Speaks

Jason, my aunt Heidi, and I got the chance to see and hear the Dalai Lama in NYC yesterday. I had been waiting for this day to come for a long time. As I suspected he was funny, eloquent, and insightful. Richard Gere introduced him and as he walked onto the stage there was clapping then silence. His presence is like no other. Monks surrounded him on the stage as he took a seat on a chair, not on the floor. He took his shoes off, and started making jokes! Then he threw on an Indiana University visor, that matched his robes, and he welcomed the crowd.

For an 1 1/2 hours he spoke about the need for compassion. Compassion for those around the world who are different from you and I. Different looking, practice different religions, think differently, etc. We are all humans and must understand that we actually have more in common than we think.

He spoke about the need to be loved and how it was very important for women to step up and take leadership roles in the world. It is in our DNA, as women, that we can be more loving and more compassionate than our male counterparts. He spoke about the need, as a mother, to give our children the most love we can give. This was a very important message. He feels that if we love our children and give them the most out of life they will in turn be loving people. He mentioned that a reporter once called him 'the feminist Dalai Lama' and he said maybe that's true and he didn't mind it.

It was a wonderful chat and I only wish that I had time to take his personal workshops over the weekend. Hopefully there will be a next time and I can take my daughter! For now I can tell her about my experience with him while she was in utero.

AND I can check this off my list of things to do before I die :)

The Scent of Thailand

One of my delicious discoveries in Thailand was when I came across a Harrnn & Thann boutique. The scents wafting through the store encapsulated what Thailand smells like to me (the good smells at least!). Lemongrass, lavender, & jasmine scented candles and oils are often lit in our apartment. They rejuvenate me when I'm feeling down and are a warm reminder of my time spent there.

This month save 25% of Harnn & Thann's Jasmine and cymbopogon collections. Also receive free shipping in US on all orders over $80.

Jasmine Intensive Body Moisturizer

Oriental Herbs Shampoo

Oriental Essence Scented Candle (Hints of Lemongrass)

Lavender Shampoo!

Aromatic Wood Essential Oil

The Nursery

So, while I'm in pregnancy purgatory and can't really get around that well anymore, I thought it would be a good time to plan the nursery. I decided on a Beatrix Potter themed room with yellow walls and white furniture. My aunt Heidi is an artist and she is going to sketch to me 4 different scenes from the Peter Rabbit books! I can't wait. Here's what I have thus far:

Benjamin Moore in Butter

Land of Nod Chenille Rug in yellow

Pottery Barn's Peter Rabbit Bedding

Mommy Clothes

Well it's official (it's been for a while actually!) I am in the market for maternity clothes. Girls, there are some UGLY mommy clothes out there. Dresses that put on 10 pounds during a time when you don't need any extra poundage, shirts that 'accentuate' your belly, lots of brown polyester stretchy outfits...I can go on. I however found some cute outfits that are pretty, without making me feel like the house that I am!

Love, love this maxi dress. It comes in all sizes. They don't sell maternity so I just ordered large sizes.

This maxi jersey dress in Black hides what I need hidden!

You'll need a nice strapless bra or fitting tank to go under this cute little number.

The Moody Mama's line @ Target is in.

Miami Vice

Once again...I'm hooked! Every night @ 11 I tune into the Centric channel (or every morning @ 5am) for a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with repeats of Miami Vice. That's right, Tubbs, Crockett, Gina and Switek are back to their old tricks again. Oh how I've missed the florescent and the pastel mixed suits, all of the smoking, and the great music. And I never knew so many famous actors and actresses guest starred on the show- Jimmy Smits, Bruce Willis, Liam Neeson, Pam Grier, Kyra Sedgwick, Stanley Tucci, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent D'Onofrio just to name a few. Check out the entire list here.

Where To Next?

I'm getting the travel itch again. Wish I could just spin the globe, close my eyes, and pick a place. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Organic Baby Skin & Body Care Line: Babo Botanicals

I just came across a new organic skin care and body care line for babies, Babo Botanicals. Among other great things the products are Paraben and Sulfate free products and come in recyclable packaging. Their washes, shampoos, lotions, and soaps come in four tear-free scents: Berry Primrose, Oatmilk Calendula, Rosemary Tea Tree, and Cucumber Aloe Vera.Although they are a little on the pricey side, they also have pretty gift bags that make great gifts for baby showers.

Their logo is a little bunny and the packaging is adorable.

Satisfy Your Appetite

Have you seen the new Snickers commercials? Nothing like a little Aretha Franklin and Betty White to make you laugh!

Rugs. The Ones That Go Under Your Feet.

We are in the market for a new rug for our living room. Our couch is going to be robins egg blue and brown so I'm looking for a rug with complementing colors. Whatcha think about these?

Chrysanthemum Rug @ West Elm

Rivoli Rug @ Ballard Designs

Malika Rug @ Pottery Barn

Kate Rug @ Pottery Barn

Free Stuff!

In honor of the dreaded tax day several companies are giving out free treats.

Starbucks: Bring in your own cup/mug and get a FREE cup of coffee today
Maggie Moos: Get a FREE cup of their new ice cream pizza today
PF Changs: Receive 15% off food today
Next Week:
Origins: Go to your local Origins store on April 22 and swap your empty bottle of facial cleanser and receive their new full size cleanser for FREE!

pix from weheartit.com

Really? I Mean Honestly??

Holy moly. Check this recipe out on Bake @ 350. WOW!!! You know I am making this tonight!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Golden Door Spa

Have you ever been to the Golden Door Spa?? I love their products and their cookbooks, but I've never been to one. Their flagship center is in Escondido, CA but they've got other locations in AZ, PR, FL, and UT. Their new cookbook is on sale and they are promoting a summer getaway week. I could use a spa week!!

Golden Door Cooks At Home

Eucalyptus Shampoo

Eucalyptus Shower and Bath Gel

Lavender Body Oil. This is my luxury item. I use it for special occasions.