Weekend Inspiration

My life has been a whirlwind of insanity over the last couple of weeks. But I've cleared my mind a bit and am taking more of a laid back approach to all of the curve balls life is throwing my way. And here are a couple of things that are making me happy along the way...

Smitten Kitchen's Scalloped Tomatoes recipe. To say I love tomatoes is an understatement. I can't live without them! And this dish is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Tomatoes, bread and cheese...what's not to love. If you happen to have leftovers, try it for lunch with a poached egg on top. Heaven! We picked up enough tomatoes at the farm last weekend to make lots and lots of batches!

My new royal blue pebble Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch. It's such a beauty. I love the color and the texture. And the pop of red. I've been rocking the Bando for the last couple of weeks but I think the clutch just beat it out as my new go-to bag.

I didn't think it was possible to love Feist more than I already do and then I listened to her new album, Metals. Love!

Heather's webisodes have become my go-to resource for easy and tasty recipes (her plum and tomato salad has become a favorite around here, and her salad dressing is perfection). But truth be told...they make me happy. Heather is adorable, the music is uplifting, the colors in the videos are beautiful, and I so want to live in her house (or her backyard). Seriously, if you need a pick-me-up, hop on over and hit play.

PS: I'm back on Little Skyline (my blog for moms and little ones) with Fall fun, art and food.

Have a great weekend!

I Will Never Forget

As a little girl I would beg my dad to drive along Boulevard East so I could lose myself in thought while gazing at the magnificence of the New York City skyline. Some of my fondest memories of family walks took place in the shadow of the skyline. And for four years I started and ended my day with the view of the skyline outside my apartment windows. The New York City skyline has served as the backdrop to my life.  It shaped my drive, my dreams and who I am today. As I think about all of the memories I have that are defined by that amazing view it saddens me to know that Julian will never get to see it as I once did.

I will always remember the day that forever changed such a precious part of my life. A day that arose feelings of sadness and despair like I had never experienced before. A day where I felt connected to everyone I walked by on the street because we were all feeling the same sense of fear and confusion as we tried to make sense of the tragic events that were unfolding before our eyes. It was a surreal experience to walk the city streets that awful day. It was perhaps the longest day of my life. A day I will never forget because I can never forget.

In the days leading up to September 11, 2001 I took a boat cruise around New York City. The boat stopped in front of all the NY landmarks, including the World Trade Center. It's almost as if time stood still as I marveled in the glory of those two beautiful buildings and snapped picture after picture of their beauty. After the 9/11 attacks I developed the film from that day hoping the pictures would provide some sort of solace. Imagine my disbelief upon discovering that the buildings did not appear in not one single picture. All that appeared was a big blur, yet every other landmark I photographed -- the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the bridges -- they were all there. The eerie feeling that came over me at that very moment is one I will never be able to shake.

Today I grieve for the lives lost and the people touched by 9/11. I remember a colleague who lost her life that day. I listen to and admire the stories of the survivors. I honor and quietly thank the heroes that risked their lives to help others. I smile thinking about just how much I loved to stare at those amazing structures that once towered over the Hudson River. And I am comforted by my son, who as I type this post walked over to me, asked if I was ok, and proceeded to give me a kiss.

Weekend Inspiration

This block from Paloma's Nest is precisely the kind of inspiration I need to keep the 5 Simple Things momentum going. I'm also thinking it would make a great Christmas gift.

The digital version of the Design*Sponge newspaper is now available for download. I'm hoping to pick up a hard copy in Park Slope tomorrow (I'm getting a hand made silhouette of my little guy at Pink Olive...more here).

I've made Heather's Heirloom Tomato and Plum Salad three times this week. It's delicious. And the salad dressing is perfection. Tonight I added cucumbers. Jules loved it. Watch the video...it's beautiful!

As we honor and remember 9/11 this weekend read these inspirational quotes from women who were touched by the tragedy. 

Little Silhouettes

Turn your little one into a work of art with these beautiful silhouette cut outs from renowned silhouette artist Karl Johnson. Working off of a person's profile, and using only a pair of scissors, Karl cuts out each silhouette by hand in a matter of minutes. The process is pretty fascinating (see a video here), as is the artist himself. His limited vision (he can only see from his right eye) allows him too see the world differently from the way most people do -- by an object's shadows -- hence his talent for cutting silhouettes. Needless to say, these are pretty fantastic keepsakes. 

Local mamas can bring their little ones to Pink Olive in Park Slope tomorrow, Saturday, September 10th between 11am and 3pm to get their silhouette hand cut in person by Karl. Each sitting last only 5 minutes. Call Pink Olive directly to book your time slot. 

More weekend fun...

Cannolis, music (check out tonight's lineup) and fireworks at the Hoboken Italian Festival 

Butterfly Release at Garrison Forge and Farm

Rock out to local Parents Who Rock and support a great cause (we've seen them...they really rock!)

Honor and remember 9/11 with a community sing along

See the 9/11 Peace Story Quilt at the MET

Lots of Bergen County fun and info on 9/11 Memorial Services

Time to start making apple picking plans

Southern California Living

Although I'm not moving to LA anytime soon, I can't help but to browse the listings on Take Sunset and admire the beautiful architecture...and dream a little... 

I want a little bungalow in SoCal!

5 Simple Things

via pinterest

I'm a creature of habit, but I always welcome new beginnings with the change of seasons. This time around I thought I would start what will hopefully become a monthly exercise in mindfulness and simplicity. My intent is to gather my thoughts at the beginning of each month to come up with 5 simple yet meaningful things that will keep me centered and happy.

For September I'm inspired by the slowness of summer. Although I'm more than ready for fall, I don't want to get caught up in the hecticness of the back to school routine, busier work schedule and longer to-do list. So this month I'll look for ways to slow down and be present in the midst of all the change.

Here are my 5 Simple Things for a slow and simple September:

1. Sunset walks. We spent hot summer nights chasing fireflies...now I'm looking forward to the crisp breeze of early fall. 
2. Sleep. It would be nice to actually feel rested for a change so I'm going to shoot to be in bed by 10:30 on weeknights. 
3. Breakfast with Jules. Usually while Jules has breakfast I pack his lunch bag and listen to the news. I vow to find at least 5 minutes to sit and be present during this time. It might even result in me actually having something to eat other than a cup of coffee. 
4. Read. As in get through all the books I borrowed from the library over the summer but never actually read. 
5. Declutter. I already got a jump start on this yesterday with my closet. Unlike my failed attempt earlier this year, this time I meant business (I didn't let my emotions cloud my judgement). 5 bags of clothes later...you can actually walk into my walk-in closet. Next up: Jules' closet and toys, the medicine cabinet and magazines/paperwork.

How are you welcoming the change of seasons? What are your 5 Simple Things?