#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Weekend Photos in Review

March 18, 2012 · Narrative

Shamrock shake
A generous boss gave out six packs of cupcakes from a local bakery, green bagels, and Shamrock shakes for St. Patrick’s Day. A fun start to the weekend.

Green bagels at work

cupcake delivery

Beauregard's finery

Cup runneth over
The kids were slightly horrified to see this car in a local parking lot. Then we discussed the reasons why someone’s car might look like this. I’ll turn anything into a teaching moment if I can. ;)

Big moment
I gave the kids $25 each on Friday and took them to the bank to open up their own passbook savings accounts. I wanted them to have an account that they could control, adding and subtracting to it as they want; this way they could see their money grow, and when Mom says “no” about buying something they deem a “must-have,” they can choose to spend their own money on it. We made a few rules (for example, when they get money, they have to put half of it in another account I have for them, and the other half goes in these new accounts), and they are more than a little excited to have this bit of extra control. Although it’s old-fashioned, I am super partial to the passbook savings account because it’s an easy way for them to see their balance grow (or not) as the case might be.

Cleats for two
Both kids start the spring soccer season in a few weeks. We took advantage of a local shoe store’s sale — a 20% discount if you bring them an old pair of shoes (that they will, in turn, donate). Love Mom & Pop’s!

Rear view sunset

Going, going,,,

J Crew display
The kids went to a movie with Mystic’s daughter on Friday night, and while they were there, I ran a few errands. I love J. Crew’s new window display. The pinwheels are made up of folded magazine pages.

Skinny Caramel Macchiato
First time having a Skinny Caramel Macchiato. I’m a few days shy of being a month of Diet Coke-free, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. I liked the Macchiato, but too much milk for me. I still prefer the iced coffees and frappuccinos.

Backseat photographers
The kids took over the the camera for Friday’s sunset. You know, ’cause I was driving….

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‘Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas 2011

December 24, 2011 · Narrative

Madeline and Santa 2011
Have you ever seen a cuter reindeer? I haven’t. Madeline had her Christmas concert today, and I knew Santa was coming for a visit. As he reached into his big sack and pulled out a present with her name on it, I held my breath. We visited our favorite town Santa a few weeks ago, and she wanted no part of it. No picture on his lap, smiling, crying or otherwise.

Today, she went right up to him, let him put her on his lap and told him what she wanted.  I have no idea where the change of heart came from.  It must be the dress.  (The dress is circa J. Crew’s Crew Cuts 2010.  She wore it for Easter, and I adore it, so was super excited that I got to eek one last wearing out of it before it goes to the consignment shop)

And this next bit … this is exactly why, although I love the trappings of the city life, I will forever want to live in a small town. Where although people like to gossip, sometimes people knowing things is a good thing. I swear I teared up. Someone there knew that I didn’t have a picture of the two kids with Santa yet this year.

And knew that I wanted one.

If you know me, whether in real life or through visiting here, you know I kind of like to document things. Photographically. And Santa? The holidays? My kids? Huge. So Nick had a half day today. It was a nothing day. They have done no work at all all week. They had their holiday party yesterday. He knew Madeline’s concert was today and asked if he could go. I said yes.

When someone at Madeline’s school saw Madeline on Santa’s lap, willingly, happily, and noticed that Nick was with me, there was a quick scrambling and beckoning to get Nick up there too.

Because they knew I didn’t have the picture I wanted.

And they wanted to help me get that.

My heart melts for moments like these.

And so I got it.

Nick and Madeline Sanra 2011

It’s a simple thing really. Something small. But when the kids are grown-up with families of their own, I want them to look back at the pictures with their own children, and be able to say, “This. This is my life. This is when I was your age.  My childhood.”

…

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Gift Giving Ideas for the Holiday Season

December 16, 2011 · Narrative

With Christmas and Hanukkah just days away, it seems only fitting that I share a little gift giving guide. If you’re anything like me (and I *can’t* be the only one!), there are still bits and pieces to cross off your list between now and when the festivities get underway. Below are some things that I happen to like and use, or things that I’ve picked up for people on my own list, and then a bit of randomness thrown in for good measure. Happy shopping!

For inexpensive stocking stuffers, I don’t think you can ever go wrong (or have enough) of white athletic socks, bobby pins, barrettes, ponytail holders, or lip balm.  I’m a sucker for any of that stuff, and use it all constantly.  Maybelline sells New York Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm with SPF 20 for four bucks a pop, available at your favorite drug store.  I also love ChapStick brand (cherry!), Luna’s Lemon Zest, and any of the Nivea or Burt’s Bees varieties.  I always stick a handful of lip balms in the kids’ stockings.  Mostly because they always steal mine (ick!), and mostly because we all use it all the time.  One on my nightstand, one on each of my desks, one in the car … you know how it goes.

Lotion is another great go-to when you’re looking to fill out a basket or stocking.  Again, I keep them everywhere because mine and Madeline’s skin gets crazydry this time of year, so we’re constantly lathering.  I love the Vaseline lotion, and the Moisture Wrap one from Nivea.  My mom swears by the original scented version of Jergens, and has been using it since her college days.

Shampoo and conditioner?  Yes, please!  Thems in the know say that you should switch between various shampoos and conditioners so your hair doesn’t get too used to the same product, so we usually have a few different bottles going on.  Although I haven’t tried it yet, the Pro-V flat to volume shampoo from Pantene is the next one on my list.

You know how I’m kind of into a little sparkle here and there, right?  Express has answered that call with a whole dang Sequin Shop for me (and you!).  Everything is now 30% off with free shipping.This sequin sweatshirt is on my list — too cute!  I’m also determined to have one of those sequined dresses on my frame come Spring.  (Go ELB!)  If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen my shout-out to J. Crew jewlery earlier in the week.  I love them for a good statement necklace (besides, of course, loving their clothes as well).  Right now, you can shop in the store or online and take 30% off everything.  Online, use the code CHEER for free shipping.

Now for the kids…

…

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Hershey Giveaway & My Favorite S’Mores Face

August 5, 2011 · Ad-Free, Narrative

How to Make S'Mores
When Nick woke up this morning, on his last day of summer camp, he came into my bedroom and asked if his outfit was ok.

He was wearing his s’more shirt (courtesy of Grandma and J. Crew’s Crew Cuts, btw).

To say this kid is in tune with what is going on would be an understatement.  I have long since believed he has had a sixth sense, but that’s a story for another time.

Today was my deadline for posting about s’mores for the gang at Hershey.

And Nick started his day with his s’mores shirt.

I hadn’t said a word previously.

Totally ‘n sync.

And not referring to the hotness that is Justin Timberlake and his old boy band.

My “surprise” topic from Hershey was to show you my “favorite s’mores face.”

…

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Weekend Photos in Review

May 22, 2011 · Photos

Saturday Breakfast

Kate Spade Love
I do believe I love the inside of Kate Spade accessories more than the outside.

Iced Mocha Latte…

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Fashion: Thinking Outside the Box

February 2, 2011 · Narrative

Almost BoughtWhen it comes to looking for a particular piece of clothing (or even an accessory) for my wardrobe, I’ve learned that it’s good to think outside the box a bit.

My favorite work-out t-shirts are from the men’s section of Old Navy.  It’s a simple v-neck shirt, but the nearly-identical t-shirt on the women’s side is twice the price.  Go figure.  And this weekend?  The shirt on the women’s side was $12 and the shirt on the men’s side was $3.99.

Accessories meant for kids’ hair work just as well for grown-ups hair.  You know, excluding the bright pops of day-glo pink and Hello Kitty emblems.  Some of my favorite hair accessories have been Etsy buys that I bought with Madeline in mind.  She hasn’t jumped on the hair accessory bandwagon yet, and in the meantime, they work perfectly well for my hair.  And as Beth and I found out awhile back, hair accessories at J. Crew’s Crewcuts (their kid store) were cheaper than the adult counterparts across the hallway.  For the same basic thing.

That’s two easy ways to think outside the box when you’re trying to hunt something down … check the men’s department and the kid’s department as well.

I have one more for you.  Check sleepwear.

…

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What I Wore Wednesday

January 5, 2011 · Narrative

What I Wore WednesdayRegaining interest in shopping over the past year has been a totally pleasurable experience, and I have learned more than a few things along the way.

  • Shop with a friend or family member. Besides the obvious reasons that it’s fun and you’ll get instant objective feedback, I have found that I discover new stores that I wouldn’t normally go into by doing that.  When Beth and I hit the outlets this weekend, she dragged me into Ann Taylor, a shop I’ve never set foot in before because I thought it was a little too conservative. Well, two slightly sequined tops later, I had changed my mind.
  • When I was shopping in Old Navy with Jamie last Spring, I tried on a sweater that I thought looked fine, but she insisted I should try it on in a medium. It never occurred to me that I might have shrunk a bit. Opinions. Everyone has them, and sometimes it even pays to listen to them. Go figure. :)
  • Don’t pigeonhole a store.  Old Navy, for the most part, is typically known for their more casual clothing … sweats, t-shirts, hoodies, pajamas … just about as casual as you can get.  That top I’m wearing in the picture?  With the ruffles along the neckline?  Old Navy.  $13.49 on sale this weekend.  Love the color.
  • If you have gift cards, particularly for clothing, seek out the store outlets to make your gift cards really stretch.  The necklace (I’m sorry you can’t see it better in the picture) was less than $10 from a J. Crew outlet, and I got a winter coat for $69, regularly priced at $218.  I bought my winter coat when I was four sizes bigger and pregnant with Nick, nine years ago.  Both pockets had holes in them, and one elbow as well.  I normally wouldn’t have looked at J. Crew for a winter coat, and was trying to make it through the season since my sizes are changing too rapidly, but as soon as I saw the steal of a deal, it was too much to resist.  And I think after nine years and three holes, not to mention the fact that it’s way too big … well, I’ve gotten all I can out of that coat.
  • Need hair accessories?  Think kids’ stores.  Beth and I happened to wander into Crewcuts, J. Crew’s answer to children’s clothing, to see what they had on sale, and we found great headbands and hairclips there.  At a fraction of the cost.  The hairclip I’m wearing in this picture, which isn’t especially visible (sorry!) was under two bucks.  Love that!

Got shopping tips of your own?  I’d love to hear them!

For more of What I Wore Wednesday, you can check out the other participants right here.

Project 365
January 5, 2011, Photo #5

IMG00212Forgive the terrible picture from my BlackBerry. Due to a last minute change in plans, the kids had to come with me to Zumba. The Wednesday class I only go to in support of The Neighbor Wife and another friend, so I couldn’t miss it since they were both going. I lectured the kids all the way there. And as we walked in. And I got pinkie swears and promises on what we consider good behavior.

They have been asking to come watch a Zumba class basically since I started taking them, and tonight’s venue is a little better suited to kid spectators, so I took a chance. For the first 40 minutes, Madeline sat on the chair, not a peep out of her. It was the cutest thing. When I went over for a water break, she said, “You’re doing a good job, Mom.” Be still my heart. After about forty-five minutes, she started trying to join in, coming up and shaking her tush near me, or holding on to The Neighbor Wife’s leg as she was exercising (extra weight around the ankles is good, yes?). They were so good that they were even invited back.  Shocker that.

Storytelling…
Through photos.
Words. And recipes.

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛

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#flowertherapy might be right up there with #water #flowertherapy might be right up there with #watertherapy.  Love passing the time in secret wildflower patches. As you do. 🌸
I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon I remarked how pretty that tiny sliver of the moon was on the way home tonight, and my friend pulled over right away so I could grab a photo. That’s when someone really knows you! It was just too beautiful to resist. 🌙
Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ C Weekend photos in review, old school style. ✨ 
Context: 1/ picture perfect weekend, 2/ threw together a quick meal w udon noodles, steak and broccoli, so good, 3/ the sun reflections on this painting struck me today, looked like a cross 4/ it takes all afternoon but nothing like Sunday Gravy, 5/ six months old, 6/ when he wants some serious zzzz’s, he covers his eye with his ears, the cutest, 7/ breakfast pastries at @coniglios
I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New I have plenty of reusable shopping bags since New Jersey banned the plastic ones last year. But when I spied this beauty for a buck, how could I resist? It just is so darn happy, which makes me happy. The little things aren’t so little. 💛
Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged Cheers to the weekend! This may look like a staged photo, but Lola just has ZERO boundaries and Clifford is exceptionally patient. 😂
I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s I’ve been on a smoked salmon kick lately (it’s so good for you), so when I saw that a local patisserie has a smoked salmon croissant available (weekends only), I added it to my list of things to seek out. I popped into @chocolatinenj early on Mother’s Day and was rewarded with this deliciousness. Layers of soft flaky croissant dough, tender smoked salmon, light whipped cream, thinly sliced red and green onion slivers and dotted with capers… it was every bit as amazing as you’d imagine it would be. If you’re local, don’t sleep on this one. 😋
Weekend photos in review, the belated edition. 1/ Weekend photos in review, the belated edition.

1/ hit up a few yard sales and snagged this beautiful pasta dish from Italy with my favorite color for a buck, 2/ and one of these printer trays came home with me too, 3/ pre Mother’s Day celebrations with 30 local moms, 4/ finished the weekend supervising furniture assembly
Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd bir Today would have been my friend Cathy’s 53rd birthday. Unfortunately she’s not here to celebrate because she died suddenly at age 49. I think of her often … every Mother’s Day because we spent most of them together since her husband worked weekends … when I discover a new food adventure (we once did a day long donut crawl) … when I’m sharing a special time with my kids knowing that her then-11 year old is growing up without her. Before she passed, I always appreciated every day, but since then, even more so. You never know what the next day can bring, so relish in the sunshine, surprise rainstorms, making wishes over railroad tracks and all the wonderful randomness life can throw your way. Don’t waste a single second, say yes, live on the outskirts of your comfort zone, laugh often, tell people you love them, give eight second hugs, and squeeze every ounce of joy you can out of life. Do it for the people who can’t. ✨

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