Archives for December 2013

Post-vacation blues

December 13, 2013

Perhaps the only downside to an amazing vacation is the struggle to adjust to the real world afterwards. And we were away from home for a significant amount of time: five days in New Jersey and five days in St. Thomas.

The post-vacation blues are affecting all of us. Levi has been uncharacteristically ornery this week, responding to every “yes” with a “no” and every “no” with a “yes.” Despite keeping him on his sleep schedule (as much as possible) while we were gone, his sleeping has been erratic. Earlier this week, he took a five hour nap! Then this morning he was awake and asking for breakfast at 5:30.

Oh, and the mini-tantrums. I counted at least 7 between the time he woke up and the time I dropped him at Montessori this morning, including the car-long cry fest because I wouldn’t let him play a game on the iPhone.

I’ve been dragging all week, too. I must have left half my brain in St. Thomas (can you blame me?) because I’ve been more forgetful than usual. For example, I missed the dog’s grooming appointment despite having it in my iPhone calendar. (Is it time to switch back to paper?) Then there was that time I dropped Levi off at school without his jacket on a 9-degree morning.

Just award me my “Mom of the Year” trophy now, thanks.

That’s not to say this week has totally sucked. Looking past the lack of sleep, the cranky toddler, and the forgetfulness, there have been some pretty exciting developments:

* I passed my pregnancy glucose screening, and once again, I got to eat jelly beans instead of drinking that nasty orange stuff.

* HuffPost Taste included Moira’s mint hot chocolate recipe from last week in their hot cocoa round-up.

* Sheri gave me some “blove” (blog love) on her blog, Donuts, Dresses, and Dirt, describing me as ” warm, smart, thoughtful, and oh-so honest.” Like many women, I’m my harshest critic, so I’m almost embarrassed when somebody says such flattering things about me. Embarrassed but very, very grateful. Thanks, Sheri!

* You guys were really enthusiastic about the MZ Wallace giveaway! I wish I could gift everybody a Belle tote! Psst… The winner will be notified later today.

* One of my gift picks was included in Style Smaller’s Gift Guide for Kiddos. Speaking of holiday gifts, did you check out my gift guides for him, her, and the little ones?

* Finally, I have a new post up on The Neighborhood with important tips about using a fireplace this winter.

I’d love to know what made you happy this week. Let’s celebrate our little victories together!

Have a warm weekend!

Gifts for the ladies (your mom, sister, or best friend)

December 12, 2013

Still searching for the perfect gift for your mom, sister, or best friend? Here are a few lovely gifts for the ladies on your list–though you may be tempted to keep them for yourself!

1. Bobbie Brown’s Old Hollywood Eye Palette features a mix of warm and cool hues that are easy to wear and universally flattering.

2. The Catalina Weekender might inspire an impromptu getaway.

3. Mix and match rose gold, yellow gold, and sterling silver bracelets to create the perfect set of three cuffs.

4. Cheaper than a massage and almost as soothing, the Herbal Ease Neck Pillow offers relief with moist heat and aromatherapy.

5. She won’t need a necklace when she wears this Colorblock Foulard Scarf.

6. Crafted from hand dyed canvas and leather accents, this Fold-Over Cross-Body Bag adds a modern bohemian twist to any outfit.

7. A Michelle Armas 2014 Calendar does double-duty as a beautiful work of art.

8. This Slim Zip Contrast Wallet makes an elegant addition to even the messiest purse or diaper bag.

9. A new fragrance for the new year: Tory Burch Eau De Parfum.

10. The Tata Harper Deluxe Beauty Set is a luxurious upgrade from the drugstore-bought skincare products in her medicine cabinet.

11. These Mini Sunburst Stud Earrings are small enough to wear every day but special enough to get noticed.

12. For the lazy chef, the Year-Round Slow Cooker cookbook boasts 100 delicious, modern, and practical slow cooker recipes.

Gifts for little kids

December 11, 2013

Buying gifts for little kids can be tough. What do you buy for the kiddo who already has an overflowing playroom? If you need inspiration, here are some tried-and-true toys Levi already loves, plus a few still on his holiday wishlist!

1. Pancakes and Strawberries, your little one’s favorite Sunday breakfast, now available any day of the week.

2. For the dress-up box: a felt Fox Mask (or any other woodland, barnyard, or zoo animal mask).

3. A cute and cozy Penguin Sleeping Bag for family slumber parties and overnights with cousins.

4. Who says bedtime has to be boring? This coordinating set of Faux Fur Bear Slippers and a Fleece Bear Robe are perfect for pre-hibernation playtime.

5. A Twig Creative wooden camera that looks just like mom’s to help develop (get it?) his imagination.

6. Eventually they’ll learn the rules. For now, it’s more fun watching them play with Animal Dominos in their own creative ways.

7. No delayed flights or security hiccups with this wooden Airplanes Box Set!

8. A classic-looking Radio Flyer Scoot-About Tricycle for indoor riding now, outside cruising later.

9. Markers plus clothing plus furniture often equal one big mess. Color Wonder Drawing Paper and Markers are pure magic.

10. The bandleader in our house is the one who plays the Glockenspiel during sing-a-long time. (Can you guess who that is?!)

11. Animal Nesting Dolls that work on problem-solving skills–and look good on a shelf, too.

12. A Grey and White Dot Teepee that kids will love hiding inside and you’ll love looking at.

PS – More toys for toddlers, and gifts for infants.

Tech gifts for your favorite guy

December 10, 2013

I recently contributed a gift guide for techies over on BHG.com, but JB thought I left out a few impressive products. He’s here today sharing more tech gifts for the technologically-savvy guy (or gal!) in your life.

1. Organize the rat’s nest of power cords and charging accessory cables on your desk with the Quirky Cordies.

2. Before she got her iPad 2, I bought PJ a third generation Kindle that we ended up returning when she decided she didn’t need a e-reader. However, after borrowing her mom’s old Kindle for our babymoon, she’s come around to the idea of using one. The new Kindle Paperwhite is pretty amazing.

3. and 4. The Xbox One comes with the Kinect camera, but the PlayStation 4 controller has been deemed nearly flawless. Heads up: They’ve both been newly released and are extremely popular, so supplies may be very limited at the moment.

5. Use your iPad as a tablet to sketch, color, illustrate, and design with the Bluetooth-enabled Pencil that enhances the company’s award-winning Paper app in astonishing ways!

6. and 7. No connected home is complete without a Nest thermostat and new multi-function alarm.

8. The iGrill Mini, a new pocket-sized version of the wireless meat thermometer, connects to an app on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.

9. A wet/dry mopping robot so your guy can spend more time playing video games and less time cleaning the floors.

10. The iPad Air is awesome, but PJ’s mom just got a new Retina Mini, and it’s unbelievably cool.

11. Create a personalized watch using your favorite Instagram photo and customize everything from the band to the watch arms. The most amazing part is how affordable it is!

12. They may be improving, but if smartphone cameras aren’t doing it for you, why not carry just the optics of a point-and-shoot camera? Your phone becomes the interface when you use an attachable lens-style camera.

PS – Father’s Day gifts he’d be happy to receive for the holidays.