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?

Dekalb Market

Brooklyn's newest outdoor market, Dekalb Market, is sustainable (shipping containers and farms!), local (both independent retailers and artisans) and downright cool. And best of all, lots and lots of food vendors. Check out Bklynography for more pictures and details.

 

Cool Weekend

Unbearable. That's all I can say about this heat. I can't breathe. It's impossible to stay cool. Staring at these beautiful caftans and tunics from Two helps. Well, not really, but they're gorgeous. And I love the story behind the brand.

We're off to Tarrytown tomorrow to catch Laurie Berkner, and were hoping to spend time checking out local shops and attractions, but considering the heatwave will continue through tomorrow, I'm not so sure we'll see anything other than the inside of the venue and a restaurant. We'll have to try to head up again in the Fall.

And Tenafly is hosting its Summer Street Festival this weekend, but again, who can stand the heat?!

Hope you stay cool. Here are some fun things to check out from around the web...

Keep cool with these easy to make summer cocktails

The lovely Liz rounded up 10 great ways to reuse mason jars 

Some inspiration from the Ikea 2012 catalog

Jules and I love this California roll in a bowl recipe 

Follow a young chef through her kitchen adventures in New York, Hanoi, Tel Aviv and Paris

The awesome Miranda July hosts a multimedia evening inspired by her new book

Dino Love

On Sunday we kicked off a week-long celebration of all things dinosaur. Jules is officially obsessed and so it was natural for us to choose a dino theme for his birthday celebration. So we hit the Museum of Natural History for Father's Day. He had a blast. Next up is a dino celebration at school on Friday, followed by a dino-mite party on Saturday (complete with dinosaur hunt and all).

I'm having such a blast with my little guy. I can't help but to be consumed with the excitement and passion he has for life. 

Flower Power

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to go to flower school. I grew up in a garden apartment and was often in the dirt planting, pulling and playing. And while I no longer have a garden, I have some plants and I try to pick up flowers with Jules on a weekly basis. And while they're certainly pretty to look at, there's also something about arranging flowers that's so therapeutic.

Rue magazine contributor and floral artisan Kat Flower is teaching a summer workshop in New York. And if you mention Rue you get 15% off the tuition. 

 via Kat Flower

via BHLDN

by Nicole Bachmann for Anthology magazine

Every Mother Counts and Weekend Fun

It's incomprehensible to think that a woman should have to walk 5 miles while in labor to access a clinic where she could give labor. And yet, it happens. Through her Every Mother Counts organization, Christy Turglington Burns is fighting to raise awareness of these issues and create mobilization to increase education and support for maternal and child health. Her documentary, No Woman, No Cry, follows the stories of women across the world as they face challenges in accessing critical care throughout their pregnancies and deliveries. It made its rounds at film festivals last year and is now having its TV debut next Saturday at 9:30ET on the OWN network.

The documentary inspired an all-female (and all-mother) compilation CD featuring artists like Carla Bruni, Madonna, Karen Elson, Sinead O'Connor and Gwyneth Paltrow. I picked it up earlier this week and haven't stopped listening since. And might I add, Gwyneth's cover of This Woman's Work is pretty amazing. It's one of those really powerful songs that shouldn't be messed with, but I was impressed. $8 of each CD sold (available at Starbucks) will be donated to help support maternal health-relief efforts worldwide.

On a weekend note, lots of fun outdoor things to do:

Ridgefield Carnival

Tribeca Film Festival Family Festival Street Fair

KindieFest

Hoboken Arts & Music Festival