friday’s quote

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”  - Confucius

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.

Best,
Stephanie

it’s coming!

I’ve been patient, but I’ve waited a long time for this.  And it’s finally coming today!  Hurray!  But I never had one, not even an iPhone or iTouch.   So I’ll need your help.   Please tell me – what are your favorite must-have apps? 

Best,

Stephanie

 

Easter in NY

The Easter bunny came to New York City.   Just a couple of photos in Rockefeller Center.   Hope you had a Happy Easter!

Best,

Stephanie

 

Good Friday

Wishing that you find peace, faith, hope and love in your heart.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.

Best,

Stephanie

signs …

       

After about a week of rain, I went outside this morning to find these signs of spring.  It’s coming!  And it looks like all that rain polished up the skies and brought us all this lovely blue.  It’s still chilly, and more rain is in the forecast, but for today, I’m thankful for sunny skies and spring. 

Hope you find something to be thankful for today.

Best,

Stephanie

spring break?

Is it really spring break?  Because it is cold and rainy here.  Hopefully it is warmer and sunny where you are.  But I have pretty much had it with this weather and I feel so bad for the kids who are off this week.   I did put up a few Easter decorations.  I don’t do much, since I only have two small stained glass pieces my late father in law made – a basket of eggs and a bunny – and the eggs you see here.  That’s it.  But I dragged them out in the hopes of spreading a little sunshine inside if not out.  And then I felt pretty bad, because my 10 year old didn’t know we had Easter decorations.  Sigh … bad mommy!   In my defense though, my husband never wanted to put the stained glass out when the kids were little because he was afraid of anything happening to them.  So it isn’t all my fault. 

Other than that, Easter preparations are underway.  I’m planning what dessert to make, (cake will be involved, naturally), and we’re expecting relatives from France and another surprise visitor the rest of the family doesn’t know is coming.  I hope our hearts will be as full as our table.

Best,

Stephanie

friday …

“Earth laughs in Flowers.” -  Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’m so glad to finally see some signs of spring here!   And yes, you talked me into the bag.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Best,

Stephanie

wednesday already?

Wow! I can’t believe how fast this week is going!  It’s been busy as usual, so I haven’t been around much.  I’ve tried to catch up here and there, but I’ve been a bad blogger.  

I was tired of the daily run around, so I took the day off yesterday and went shopping with a friend at a charity fundraiser, and then we had lunch.    Along the way, I saw this bag.

There is something about it – it’s so summery - and I do have to say that the color looks fabulous on me.   It isn’t too expensive.  But I usually don’t do shiny.   So …should I get it?   Talk me into it.  Or out of it. 

And while we’re at it, please feel free to talk me into these …

I love them and want to take them home with me.  They’re expensive, and not practical, but I love them.  Sigh … clearly the dreary chilly spring is taking it’s toll on me.  I can hardly wait for warmer weather.  

Hope it’s sunny and warm wherever you are!

Best,
Stephanie

 

 

loot

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I hosted a Stella & Dot party.  I didn’t “read the fine print” before I agreed to host.  It turns out that when you host, you get a percentage of the jewelry sold, as well as a few pieces at half off.  I let my daughter choose something, and for the rest I mostly went with fun, summery pieces.  Here’s what I chose…

The silk bracelet with the charms is my daughter’s pick.

I loved the starfish brooch.   And the earrings too, but I promise I won’t wear them together. 

I chose things that were different than what I have.  It was a good time to get some fun pieces.  Can’t wait to go play with it all!  Anyone want to come over and play dress up?

Best,
Stephanie

 

quotes and catching up …

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."
~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

I’ve finally caught up and recovered from our whirlwind weekend.  We had a great time, and the kids had a lot of fun at all their events.  One of the best parts of living in such a small town, even though we’re pretty close to NYC, is the sense of community.    The Little League Parade and Kickoff BBQ is always fun for everyone.  So like I always say – it’s busy, but a good busy.  I try to remember when we’re dashing about that these years go fast.  So we try to enjoy them and not wish them by. 

In other news, my slow cooked bbq ribs, whipped mashed potatoes and buttermilk onion rings were a big hit with our guests.    If anyone is interested in a recipe, just let me know. 

And finally, these beautiful flowers came home with the husband the other day.  I put them right near my desk and books in the sunniest room in the house.   Even though it’s rainy today, they brighten up my happy place. 

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Best,

Stephanie

friday flowers

My friend Helen brought me these flowers.  They’ve been brightening up a cold and gray spring day.  March definitely didn’t go out like a lamb.  But at least we didn’t get the snow they were predicting.  This weather is anything but usual for us.  I’m completely jealous of all the blogs I follow with people from California and the south, and even Europe.  It seems spring has hit everywhere else.  At least I have these to warm up my day. 

In other news, I’ve gone a bit country.  I’m crazy about Scotty on American Idol, as well as Lauren.  They’re both so cute.  I’ve made a few recipes from the Pioneer Woman cookbook.  (Seriously? The cinnamon rolls alone completely justify the purchase.  I made the full recipe a couple of Sunday’s ago, and delivered one tray each to my neighbors.  I’m officially their favorite now.)  I’ve gone a bit gaga over Romantic Prarie Style by Fifi O’Neill.  I’m telling you, this city girl has been going country!   I blame Scotty.  I really do.

Another busy weekend coming up – friends, family and little league, including the kick-off parade and BBQ, as well as the first two games.  Throw in a little church and a luncheon, and I’m sure to be looking for an excuse to take Monday off and get a little rest. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Best,
Stephanie