Glamorous Correspondence

Artist extraordinaire, Sandra Markwalder, of Ooh La Frou Frou is at it again.


Her latest seasonal card, Autumn Ballgown, has just been unveiled and it's a winner! I've already ordered mine to dress up my friends' mailboxes.


Are you ready for some fall fun?! I'd love to hear what you have planned!

Delicious, Delectable & Dangerous

Mmmmmmm.....don't these desserts look delicious? Well, for some children I personally know, they are simply dangerous.


Peanut butter. Eggs. Dairy. Wheat. And the list goes on.


Today, over 15 million Americans, including nearly 6 million children are suffering from life threatening allergies....and something as simple as eating in the school cafeteria, attending a birthday party or eating out at a restaurant can carry terrifying risks.


So, today, I want to highlight the work of FAAN (The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network), and the FAAN Walk For Food Allergy events happening around the country (this weekend in Westchester County) that are being held to raise awareness and research funding.


You may personally know someone who carries an EPI pen with them, have a child who suffers from life threatening allergies or never thought much about it at all.


Each of us can make a difference, so today I dedicate this post to my young friends Grace, Jack, Henry and Luke and all the other children out there who have no choice but to trust the adults around them.


My wish for them is that a cure will someday be found!

images: pinterest via tasteofhome.com & howsweeteats.com

Chanel on the Cheap

What comes to mind when you see those famous interlocking Cs? Luxe? Quality? Coco? Expensive?


All of the above for me. Which is why owning a Chanel suit is on my wish list. Just a simple black suit. But, they are expensive so it's not something that I've just purchased. 


Today, I went to consign a few things...shoes and bags that were just sitting in my closet looking pretty. And, I had just about made it to the door when the Chanel section caught my eye. I should at least look, right? Well....no simple black suit. However, there were skirts. In my size. 


And they fit. No alterations necessary and they did feel luxe...and well made. 


The best part? They cost about what you'd pay for a skirt at that other well known, albeit newer American designer whose initials we all now know.


What's on your wish list?

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Fellow blogging friend, Lynn Byrne of Decor Arts Now,invited me to share one of the rooms I first remembered, as according to Carlton Varney...this can help us identify our personal style.


I was surprised that my grandfather's office is what popped into my head. He was known more for giving math quizzes than bear hugs but he exuded a solidness that I look back upon now with great respect. If you wanted to talk with him or "get quizzed", it was usually in his office. I remember worn leather, a large desk, loads of books and light streaming in through the windows and french doors.


The above snapshot from Lonny circa 2010 captured the essence of that room for me.

So, I found it kind of ironic that the most inviting room in my home exudes that same kind of feel. Loads of coffee table books, espresso colored walls, family photographs in the bookshelves and light streaming in through windows and a set of french doors.


I guess it's true what they say....what goes around, eventually comes around? At least according to Justin Timberlake.

Hello, Again

Happy Monday, everyone!


A new week....and lots to catch up on. I'm definitely behind on nearly every aspect of my life, including writing thank you notes.


All of these fetching notes and notepads from the Rifle Paper Co. would make getting organized a lot more fun.


Don't you have some bewitching friends who would love to receive one of these Halloween cards in their mailbox?!

Friday Fashion - Kelly Wearstler Goes for the Brass Ring

The essence and talent of Kelly Wearstler seems to known no bounds! Now that her personal website has gone live, you can shop directly with her for decorative objects, jewelry and accessories.

Admiring her gift as an artist, designer and sculptor....here are a few of my favorite things. Including...the brass ring. No loner proverbial.

I feel like I was a little late to the Wearstler party, but I am currently enamored with her unique pieces of art - whether worn by you or your interiors.

What do you have your eye on this Fall?

Shades of Fall

I've always loved the hues of fall. 
Now, I love all the various shades, as well!!!


Fall fashion is indeed looking bright this season!

images: Lucky Tumblr

Indian Summer

There is something so calming about being in a canoe. No motor. Just nature and perhaps a friend or two. 


Wherever your week is taking you....remember to stay the course and paddle on both sides. Slow and steady. 


Sometimes we get flustered and move too quickly....that's usually when we end up loosing our balance and getting all wet.


Don't rush through your week -- just take in the scenery and enjoy the view!

Mission Accomplished - Back to School

 My mission? Get my boys organized for school - but do it with a little style. 


While the girls at school have little chandeliers hanging in their lockers...my son has 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of shorts. Pretty darn boring.


I love these camouflage pencil bags I found at Monogram Chick - and the pop of orange keeps them fun. Pencils, pens, DS chips, baseball cards...the uses are limitless. 


They came wrapped just like you see them....making them a great gift idea. They weigh next to nothing, so shipping would be incredibly inexpensive. If you need a cute "boy" gift....I think this would work for pre-school through college.


Stealth style? Mission Accomplished! 

Let's All Wear Caps

Today, my son starts 1st grade. A little later than planned. But, sometimes life throws something your way and you have no choice but to catch it.


He'll be wearing a ball cap to school for a few weeks, due to his accident, which is definitely NOT part of the dress code. In a show of solidarity, his fellow 1st graders have been invited to wear a cap tomorrow on his first day back.


What an amazing opportunity for young children to learn the gift of empathy and camaraderie. 


As my son starts back to school, I think it's time for me to return to blogging. I can not thank you each enough for the comments you've written and the prayers you've shared. I feel like you were there for me in solidarity and camaraderie and I'll never forget it.


Today my son and I are off to climb our mountains. And, I'm thinking.....I'll wear a ball cap, too!

image: pinterest

On The Mend

A week has passed since I shared the news of my son's accident with you. He is home from the hospital and has made huge strides in a short time.


The shot above is of him in the hospital, with some of his favorite "friends" and blanket. They were on his bed in the ER, rode with him to the OR and stayed with him in his bed until we came home. Don't we all need something to hold on to?


Our entire family has been astonished at the outpouring of love and concern, from friends near, far and "never met". Thank you for your comments, as they all touched me and gave me a little boost during a time I most needed it.


My little guy is singing again and building with his Legos. He's taken to wearing button down shirts, as we still can't pull a T-shirt over his head. His appetite has returned, as has the sparkle in his eyes and the sound of his laughter.


We're home bound a short while longer. I think my next big test will be letting him go outside and play....like little boys like to do...without covering him in bubble wrap and a crash helmet.

What Really Matters

I'm not really sure where to start, so I'll just begin.

This blog is where I like to write about happy, pretty, joyful things, but today, I want to share what's been going on over the past few days. 

My 6 year old, shown above, was in an accident, while playing in our neighborhood, on Saturday afternoon. His body is fine, but he had severe external head injuries. That means, the outside took a beating but the brain is working fine.

After a late night, 2 hour surgery, I spent the next 48 hours with him at the hospital. He doesn't quite look, sound or seem like himself, though he's making progress in all areas.

I love writing this blog and will return to chat about the lighter things in life. But, it just doesn't seem right while my little guy is in such a rough state.

So, I leave you with a few things that I learned through this.

1. Emails are such a welcome thing when you are in a crisis. Sitting and waiting is much easier when you know people care.
2. Having dinner provided is a godsend.
3. If you decide to take a shower at the hospital, remember there are no towels. It's not a hotel. They don't really want you to stay too long.
4. Stuffed animals and balloons are to children what flowers are to grown ups.
5. Nurses are angels on earth.
6. Time slows down when your child is in surgery
7. If you ask you husband to bring you shampoo....don't forget to specify you need a comb, too.
8. You know you're at an amazing school when your son's principal and new teacher walk into his hospital room on Labor Day.

I'll be back, I just need to focus on what matters most right now. My son.

D is for Detour to the Delano

D is for Detour. And Delano. Which is where we initially landed when we caught a plane out of the Bahamas. That's the funny thing about outrunning a hurricane. You don't really care where you go, just as long as you're not "there". 


I was delighted to finally visit Miami. And, I must say....I loved it. We were able to snag a last minute room at the Delano Hotel, on Miami Beach, and everything from the minute we drove up was dreamy. 


You'll have to check out their website to get the full picture of this chic boutique hotel. I knew it was supposed to be hip. But, I did not count on how welcoming they were to our children. 


I'd never been to a beach that had organized play areas for children. My youngest son was enthralled with the colorful buckets and sand digging tools, which he "organized".


My only complaint? We were there less than 24 hours.
Now, I'm thinking D...is for "Darling, can we go back to the Delano?"


Wishing you all a D-lightful Labor Day Weekend!!

images: ppt