diy: the gallery wall

I started this gallery wall close to five years (and four homes!) ago. Since then it’s expanded to include photos of children, departed pets, life events, and friends (I just completed a mini-update to incorporate pictures of Cleo). I think of it as a chronicle of our lives as a family, and love that people are able to get a glimpse into who we are when they visit our home. I’ll often often catch Gemma lingering over the images, touching them gently and talking about what each one means. Just last week I heard her explain to a friend, visiting for a play-date, “this one is Daddy when he was little, this is mommy when I was in her tummy.” To her, it’s a story. An incredibly meaningful story.

Gallery Wall 1

 Given our moves, I’ve hung, removed, and re-hung this wall several times (several!). That being said, I have a pretty good idea of how to create something similar in your space.

gallery wall 2

1. Decide on your decor scheme: I’ve seen this type of wall done in a number of different ways: with entirely black and white photos, with all black or white frames, with a mixture of pictures and meaningful art. I like things eclectic, so my frames are a mixture of black, white, silver and gold (mostly from Ikea!); my photos are black and white and color, professional interspersed with candid. Think about what you want; it will inform your purchasing.

2. Pick the right location: I like the way a gallery wall looks going up a staircase or down a hallway (however short that hallway may be). That’s my personal preference; I think it’s a nice way to transition from one space to another. Take a look around your home and think about where it will fit for you.

3. Buy your frames BEFORE printing your pictures: This may sound counterintuitive, but I’ve found it’s easier to purchase (and hang) the frames and THEN find pictures to fit.

4. Start hanging from the center: The large “C” in the center is what anchors the wall; it’s where I started. If you’re interested in something like this, you can find different options at flea markets and vintage stores. I took the mass produced route and went with Pottery Barn (bonus: it’s not all that heavy). If you don’t want to use a letter (or something similar) think about using a large frame.

5. Be prepared to modify and move: This isn’t an exact science. You’re probably going to make mistakes and need to move things around. The best advice I can give is use tiny nails. They leave smaller holes (*wink*).

 

the family cook: orecchiette with kale & white beans

I used to believe it was nearly impossible to cook with one child in the house. Now I see how utterly off base I was; it’s only moderately difficult to cook with one child, and nearly impossible with two. 5pm rolls around and I’m walking a fine line between balance and complete chaos. If I’m lucky things remain an organized disaster through the dinner hour, until bedtime. I do cook for my family nightly, but anything I make needs to be ready in 20 minutes (or less!), and have around 5 ingredients. That’s where we are, right now, and I’m learning to modify and adjust.

I put this dish together on the fly Tuesday evening, because it had something Gemma would eat (pasta), and something she may be willing to try (if hidden properly) – kale and white beans. Related: isn’t pasta a great disguise for most things? I’m a pasta purist – I can’t do whole wheat (it just doesn’t taste right to me). That being said, I think most things are o.k. in moderation (and if they’re balanced out with enough of “the healthy stuff”). I chose orecchiette because the white beans kind of stick in the little ears (better for hiding “the healthy stuff”). This shape can be a little tough to prepare (the pieces tend to stick together), but Rao’s brand is perfect – hearty and cooks up perfectly al dente.

pasta with kale and white beans

Start to finish this took around 15 minutes, and my toughest critic also agreed – it was great. She even indulged in leftovers the next day.

Here’s what you need:
1/2 cup of good olive oil
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced (I use the Trader Joe’s frozen cubes)
4 cups (give or take) kale, washed and chopped
1 can white beans (I used cannellini)
grated parmesan cheese
3/4 pound orecchiette
1 lemon

pasta 2

Bring a pot of salted water to boil.

While the water is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan (or pot – I used my Le Creuset) over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the kale and saute until slightly wilted.

While the kale is cooking, add the orecchiette to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about a half cup of the pasta water.

Add the white beans to the kale mixture and toss.

pasta 3

Drain the pasta and dump it in with the kale and white beans (this is why I use the Le Creuset – it’s large enough that this becomes a two pot meal). If it seems a little dry add a bit of the pasta water.

Serve with a squeeze of lemon and parmesan cheese.

providing literature to everyone: library for all

Reading is an incredibly important component of my relationship with Gemma and Cleo. I read to Gemma every single night before bed, at least two or three books. Cleo often joins our evening routine, or, alternately, gets her own stories. I’d like to think that my children will develop a appreciation of literature similar to my own; I simply love getting lost in a good book. And although I’m incredibly busy these days, I always have something on the go and try to indulge in at least a few pages before bed.

I can’t imagine what it must be like for children and their families who don’t have access to affordable and appropriate literature. How it impacts their learning, world view, and creativity. Yet this is a reality for so many children around the globe. A new organization, Library for All, is aiming to change that.
Library for All’s mission is to build a digital library providing ebook content to those living in impoverished communities with low bandwidth. This library will be accessible via mobile phones, e-readers or even low-cost tablets. Entry will be provided through partnerships with government services, NGOs, charities, and other agencies. It’s an innovative tech solution to a worldwide problem. Extraordinary, right?

Library For All 1

Library for All just launched a Kickstarter Campaign, and has raised over $56,000 at the time of this post going live. They will pilot at the Respire School in Haiti, located about 2 hours outside of Port-au-Prince, beginning in October 2013. As a former teacher, mother, and blogger, I can’t help but be drawn to this cause, and hope you will all take a moment to learn about it.
Library for All 3

To find out more, visit the Library for All Kickstarter page.

high-low, and a little creativity

Yesterday was gorgeous (what an incredible relief, particularly after Friday). Kids tend to whine less when the sun is shining, don’t you think? Or perhaps my tolerance level is just higher. Either way, Sunday was GREAT.

In other news, I’ve signed on as an “Expert Mom” with Mommy Nearest. Mommy Nearest is a recently launched FREE mobile app that allows parents to access all kinds of child-related resources throughout New York City (with other cities coming soon). With Mommy Nearest, you’ll be able to find things like the closest kid-friendly restaurants that have high chairs, the nearest parks and playgrounds, and event the best places to change a diaper. It’s available for both iPhone and Android devices; you can download it now for free by clicking here. I don’t say this often, but I’m blown away by this app. I wish it were available when I first moved to New York; I know it would have made my transition infinitely easier.

As a Mommy Nearest Expert Mom, I’ll be chronicling my experiences using the app and trying out some new places. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon visiting one of my favorite local art studios, Oliloli, for an upcoming post (you’ll be able to read about it on the Mommy Nearest blog here), and trying out my new high-low dress. Did I mention I’m loving this trend? Even better – when I walked down the stairs this morning Gemma exclaimed “pretty dress!” She doesn’t spare criticism, but certainly makes me feel good when things go right in the wardrobe department.

High Low 1

{dress: feel the piece (similar)/belt: jcrew (old)/flip flops: jcrew (old)/nursing tank (under dress): bravado}

I paired it with (super) casual flip flops as we were headed to a fifth birthday party, but it would go equally well with wedges for a night out. (This one’s certainly going to earn some mileage.)

With that, we’ve come full circle. It’s gray and raining today, but we all woke up happy, so the metaphorical sun’s shining.

And I hope it is where you are, too.

I am compensated for my participation as an “Expert Mom”; as always, all statements and opinions are my own.

{little} girl’s gone safari

We’ve had major clothing issues here, pretty much since September. Gemma is incredibly choosy about what she wears. Incredibly. It’s not entirely surprising; both her Dad and I are pretty particular. Still. Tuesday she went through multiple outfit rotations before deciding on a pair of blue shorts (with a sparkly happy face on one leg), white tank top, and gold cape. It’s not so much the combinations I dislike, but the indecisiveness. I’ve taken to sending her upstairs with five minutes to dress in SOMETHING, while I breathe deeply and look for serenity. It’s moments like this that I need to summon every ounce of parental patience in my being.

Needless to say, I’ve given up on purchasing clothing without the “a-ok” from her. And, over the last couple of months, I’ve started to get the hang of what she may like. (May being the operative word here.) Gemma loves anything animal. Animal face, animal print; animal anything goes, really. I could cover a garbage bag with cheetah duct tape and she’d happily wrap herself in it and skip to school. She’d probably even thank me for the beautiful dress.

That being said, I’ve been searching out clothing that’s safari-themed. I’d like for Gemma to expand her options beyond the two outfits I currently launder nightly (one dress and one shorts set). And the internet being what it is, I’ve managed to find a few perfect options (all Gemma approved).

(Little) Girl's Gone Safari

{Clockwise from top left: flamingo dress: mini rodini/skirt: juicy couture/elephant shirt: peek kids/red jaguar shorts: mini rodini/bubble safari shorts: monikako/animal print t-shirt: zara}

“it survived”

rain 1

4 hours before these images were taken I was stranded in a downpour after pre-school dropoff. Without appropriate rain gear and with an infant. 20 minutes after these images were taken I was trapped in a subway with a screaming baby, a singing four year old, and a very helpful friend. (Thank God. For the friend – not the noise). 40 minutes after these images were taken I was drooled on, chewed, and grabbed. Then, I took a ten minute walk home in high humidity, pushing a stroller. Half-way there I helped Gemma change from rain boots to regular shoes, because SHE WAS SO HOT!!!

6 hours and 10 minutes after I put the whole thing together, it still looked ok. Until I fed Cleo carrots. And even then, it may have still been presentable.

I like to call this look “it survived”.

Highly recommended if you have children.

rain 4

rain 3

 {shirt: madewell/skirt: jcrew (old)/boots: hunter/necklace: stella and dot}

cooling down: kefir berry creamsicles

We’re experiencing a major heat wave here in New York, the culmination of truly bizarre weather this week. Saturday afternoon I spotted people wearing down jackets; today I’m running the air conditioning.

Gemma spent a good hour running around the park after school yesterday morning, before declaring “I’d like to leave, I’m too hot”. We walked the near half mile home, cheeks rosy, hair plastered to the back of her neck. My kids sweat in the dead of winter. 90+ degrees and they’re just pouring. Considering how difficult the heat is on Gemma (HER MOUTH GETS SO HOT SHE NEEDS AN ICE CREAM TO COOL IT DOWN!!!), the timing seemed perfect to try out some kefir berry creamsicles. I love making my own popsicles; the idea of avoiding all that processed junk is appealing. And Gemma enjoys getting involved in the prep; there’s something magical about a liquid freezing (science is pretty damned cool).

Twenty minutes later, we had ten kefir berry creamsicles (raspberry and blackberry), ready for the freezer. Purple and pink and perfect on sight; the exact colors of Rapunzel’s dress.

kefir berry creamsicles

After a night of chilling, the verdict was in (yes, she had one this morning). Delicious. Creamy yet fruity. And absolutely mouth-cooling.

Kefir Berry Creamsicles

2 cups kefir
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons honey
2 6oz containers of blackberries or raspberries

Puree the berries in a food processor until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve (to get rid of all the seeds). Whisk the honey, vanilla extract, and kefir together. Combine it with the puree and pour into the molds. This will make 5-6 creamsicles. We repeated the process twice; once with blackberries, once with raspberries.

For a creamier popsicle, double the kefir, the vanilla, and the honey.

Sidenote: I love this mold – the Progressive International PLP-1 Freezer Pop Maker. It has this amazing metal lid (not shown in this image) that keeps the popsicle sticks in place. I also love the retro shape it give the popsicles.

kefir berry creamsicles 3

stella and dot: an online trunk sale and giveaway

I love costume jewelry and think the right necklace or bracelet can truly complete an outfit. Funny enough, Gemma’s the exact same way – on a constant quest to accessorize properly. My husband might argue that I’m creating a monster. I might argue that’s what it means to have a daughter (only half joking).

You may have noticed my Stella and Dot necklace in Monday’s post – I absolutely love the reddish orange (one of my favorite shades once the warm weather hits). If you’re not familiar with it, Stella and Dot is an incredible company that sells boutique and vintage style jewelry, as well as some accessories (check out my picks below). Starting today, I’m teaming up with Marie Matousek, a Stella and Dot stylist, to host an online trunk sale. And you have the opportunity to win a $100 or $25 gift card to Stella and Dot.

Stella and Dot Trunk Sale and Giveaway

 

{1: Jolie Necklace/2: Olivia Bib Necklace/3: Wonderland Charm Necklace/4: Geneve Lace Bib/5: Kimberly Necklace/6: Geneve Lace Pendant/7: Medina Bib Necklace}

 Here are the details.

When - Wednesday, May 29th through Sunday, June 9th.

Where - Online only (my favorite type of shopping)

How Does It Work?

  • This sale is held entirely online.
  • To shop, click on this link. You will officially be in my trunk sale.
  • Once you’ve decided what you’d like to order, email Marie directly (marie.matousek {at} gmail {dot} com). She’ll arrange for free shipping.
  • Check out the trunk show exclusives for May (below). If you spend $50, you automatically get 50% off certain items.

May Specials

How Do I Enter The Giveaway?

  • If you make a purchase, you are automatically entered in the $100 gift card giveaway. Just make sure to email Marie with your order (marie.matousek {at} gmail {dot} com); she will keep track of entries.
  • If you don’t make a purchase, you still have a chance to win a $25 gift card. Just enter through the rafflecopter below.
  • Entering the $100 giveaway does not exclude you from entering the $25 giveaway; you can enter BOTH giveaways, and potentially win $125.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a necklace for the purpose of review; all statements and opinions are my own.

a chilly Memorial Day

We’ve had few formal plans this weekend (save for a BBQ later Monday), which is sometimes how I prefer it. It’s really nice to sit here writing, on a Sunday night, knowing there’s no need to rush out the door tomorrow morning. Moments such as these are becoming increasingly uncommon, particularly as Gemma gets older.

Memorial Day weekend has been unseasonably cold, leaving me reaching for jeans and sweaters. An unusual “unofficial” start to summer, indeed. Monday promises to be more pleasant, but we shall see (it seems the forecast is always changing). It doesn’t really matter, I suppose. Gemma doesn’t mind, nor does Cleo. We have each other, and the gift of time to be spent doing next to nothing.

memorial day 1

Memorial Day 2

Memorial Day 3

Memorial Day 4

Memorial Day 5

{jeans: jcrew (on sale last year) similar/shirt: jcrew /necklace: stella & dot/bag: cambridge satchel company/shoes: tory burch (similar)/Ariel tattoo (on my right hand): courtesy Gemma}

summer shoes for a mom on the go

Confession: it’s been years since I’ve worn true heels – possibly since before the birth of Gemma. I find the practicality just isn’t there anymore. I’m usually chasing two children; running from street to subway and back. Living in New York also involves lots of walking. Not only are flats more comfortable, I’ve found that they can be just as attractive as anything higher.

Summer’s almost here, and I’m in search of a new set of shoes that will take me from the park, to the museum, to dinner, and beyond. I recently took an online quiz with Shoe Dazzle, and was provided with a personalized showroom of shoes that fit my lifestyle and taste. I’m sometimes wary of services such as this; I tend to be quite picky. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that ShoeDazzle’s choices were pretty and relevant. If you make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz you also get 25% off your first item (bonus!).

gladiators: day to night

 

As ShoeDazzle’s chief stylist, Rachel Zoe curates a “boutique” of hand picked styles with personal advice on how best to wear each item. It was fun to see that some of my favorites were endorsed by such a fashion icon.

Double Duty Flats

 

I love online shopping, particularly now that I have kids. Quite frankly, I’d rather be with Gemma and Cleo at the park than a physical store (boy, have my priorities changed!) ShoeDazzle is a great option for moms like me who don’t have a lot of time but want to see what’s new in the world of shoes.

ShoeDazzle’s memorial Weekend Sale started today and runs until Monday, May 27th. Sale items are an additional 30% off, full priced items are an additional 20% off.

Want to get started? Click here!

This article is sponsored by ShoeDazzle; all statements and opinions are my own.