Happily Ever Ellen

Welcome to the World, Jack Nicholas!

2010-05-03T17:42:00.000-04:00

Jack Nicholas was born on April 29th at 12:53pm at 7lbs, 4oz and 20.5 inches

I am completely in love...

Our first Family photo at home.

Shoes!

2010-04-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

I've started my maternity leave this week - even though I'm still waiting for my little one to arrive! I'm getting pretty uncomfortable and the weather hasn't been so great, so I've been spending some time surfing the web. Today I started looking at spring shoes. Here are a few of my faves.

Which ones do you love?

1. Here 2. Here 3. Here

4. Here 5. Here

I am not at all in the market for fabulous - and expensive! - new shoes, but if I were... I'd buy #2 and #5!

Which would you choose?

Now these aren't exactly practical for walking a Baby through the Park... but can't you see Carrie Bradshaw marching down the street in these? Wow!

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-04-20T15:54:00.000-04:00

Eat, Pray, Love is one of my all-time favorite books! I found it to be an incredible journey that really resonated with me personally. I often enjoy memoirs and books with strong female characters. But this book made me feel like I was taking the journey with her. I could go on and on - but I won't!

First, I'd love to know if you've read the book and what you thought! Second, are you planning to see the movie?

At first I wasn't excited about the movie - sometimes the movie version of a favorite book can be such a let down! But then I saw the trailer... now I think I'm excited to see the movie!

What do you think? Will you see it?

Walking & Waiting...

2010-04-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

... My 2 new favorite pastimes! I am due in just 9 short days, but my family somehow convinced me that my Baby Boy was coming early! I spent this weekend walking the streets of NYC waiting for my Boy to decide he was ready to come into the World. Needless to say I'm practicing the waiting today...

I snapped a couple of pictures from my iPhone yesterday as we were walking through Central Park. Spring has arrived in NYC and it's so beautiful!

I was hoping that the picture on the right might be my last belly shot before we head to the hospital... we'll see!

Happy Monday, friends!

Nursery Pics

2010-03-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Jo posted some nursery inspiration on her blog and it got me thinking that I hadn't shared any pics of our nursery! We spend a ton of time this weekend working on the finishing touches and I think we're finally ready for the little guy to get here - whenever he's ready, of course! Our "nursery" is actually a part of our living room, since we live in a one bedroom apartment. But I must say that I think we did a good job of making it all come together, while still feeling like separate, comfortable spaces. Here are two pictures that I have of the space while we were working on it. I'll update a picture of the completed space later.

What do you think?

Where did you - or would you! - get inspiration for your baby's nursery?

Daddy's taking a well deserved rest in the glider!

The flag above the crib is actually a painted canvas, done by my fabulous husband (pictured here!). The painting above the glider on the left was actually done by my Mother-In-Law. They are a talented family and I hope Baby got some of those genes!

The armoire & dresser are from IKEA, the crib is a mini-crib from Babies R Us, and the glider is from WalMart - you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a small glider!

Now that the letters are up on the flag and the sheets are on the crib, it's starting to sink in!

Completed pictures to follow... I promise!

6 Weeks to Go!

2010-03-18T08:55:00.000-04:00

Our Sweet Baby will be here in roughly 6 weeks! Can you believe it?! This past weekend we had a 3D/4D sonogram, which was amazing! Everytime I see this picture of my Baby Boy yawning it melts my heart. I can't wait to meet him!

Lavish

2010-02-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Leave it to Heidi Klum to create fab maternity clothes! How great is her collection?

I would love this number for a night out!

I love this tunic! It would spice up my leggings!

This dress is cute and looks comfy, what preggo doesn't love that combo?

I'm thinking that this might be a necessity to spice up my maternity wordrobe!

All the photos found here.

Diaper Bag?

2010-02-09T09:56:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't this make a perfect diaper bag? I think it would make a perfect just-about-anything bag, but the fact that it's already worn-in tells me it might also be very Mom friendly! The bag is made from recycled WWII era military laundry bags, doesn't that make you love it even more?!

Check out the Forest Bound Etsy shop for more fabulous recycled bags!

I found the shop thanks to Nina who posted about the bags here! I just love Nina!!

Ocean Front Wedding

2010-02-08T08:32:00.002-05:00

You know I love ocean front weddings!! How beautiful is this one?! Jen at Green Wedding Shoes posted this one here.

Julie & Bill got married here, at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA.

The whole thing is just breathtaking!

And look at this stunning reception decor!

There are more pictures from this beautiful event here.

12 more weeks...

2010-02-04T11:34:00.002-05:00

... until I get to meet my Sweet Baby Boy!

Please excuse the tacky, taken with my iPhone in the bathroom mirror picture. But I was actually feeling kinda cute today and decided to capture the moment however I could!

I can't believe I'm starting my 3rd trimester! My little guy will be here before I know it!

I can't wait to meet you, Jack!!

Wishful Thinking

2010-02-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

Some fabulous Spring accessories that I can't help but fantasize about!

Vera Wang necklace found here.

These darling Diane von Furstenberg sandals were found here.

Fabulous Prada sandles were found here.

They look so soft and luxurious to me, makes me want to slide my foot right in!

Zac Posen for Target

2010-02-03T09:01:00.000-05:00

Is this new, or new to me? Maybe I'm behind on the fashion curve here, but I just found out that Zac Posen is designing for Target! How exciting for all of us budget fashionistas! It looks like it will be in Target stores on April 25th.

Here are a few of my faves, but you can see the whole collection here!

All photos were found here.

Spring Fever

2010-02-02T10:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

Even though the Groundhog saw his shadow, I am in the mood for Spring today and I am swooning for these fabulous Spring pieces from Kate Spade!

Is it just me, or are you ready for Spring?

Photos found: here, here, here and here.

Top Shop Maternity?

2010-02-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

I just learned that Top Shop sells maternity clothes!! Is this new, or just new to me? I've been getting by with the Gap & Old Navy - don't get me wrong, I love the jeans and sweaters! - but this seems like a whole new world! How cute are these pieces?

Snow in the City

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning it was snowing in New York! While I am having a hard time with the cold of Winter, I can't help but love how pretty this city looks with a little snow. I snapped a couple of pics in Central Park on my iPhone while walking my dog, everything just looks so pretty covered in white! I've also recently discovered the Camera Bag app for the iPhone, so I had some fun with these pics. What do you think?

Another Beautiful Wedding!

2010-01-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

After my wedding obsessed day on Tuesday, I visited one of my favorite blogs - A Cup of Jo - on Wednesday where I found these beautiful images from a perfect backyard wedding. Doesn't it look like the kind of wedding you would love to be a guest at? I bet it was so romantic!

Joanna also posted this gorgeous wedding dress with these pictures!

If I were in the market for a wedding dress I can promise you that this would be a top contender! It's so similar to my wedding dress, but with the flair of those flowers. I absolutely love it! Leave it to J.Crew to come up with another fabulous style!

Do weddings ever get old?

Weddings Can Always Make a Girl Smile...

2010-01-26T16:04:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a cold, rainy day in NY and today it's just plain cold! Needless to say, I'm getting stuck in that winter rut of cold, blah. In an attempt to brighten things up, I started looking at wedding pictures. Can't they always just make you smile? I started browsing the wedding blog circuit, but ended up looking at my own wedding pictures... they can always make me smile! In any event, I decided to share a few with you... I hope they might make you smile too!

I was lucky enough to have 2 weddings! A beautiful small ceremony by the Ocean in La Jolla, California and a fabulous party to celebrate a month later in New York City!
I wish I could do it again!

My dress was Nicole Miller with Jimmy Choo shoes

Nick wore a Hugo Boss suit

Our photographer in California was Lori Vallier

Our photographer in New York was Michael Gray

The California photos were all taken at Cuvier Park in La Jolla, CA

The photos from New York were taking in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along 5th Avenue and on the Brooklyn Promenade with Manhattan in the background.

Arts & Crafts!

2010-01-21T09:43:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, Nick told me that he wanted to make some onsies for our little one. He wanted onsies with bow ties & ties so our little man could be a proper little gentleman. I loved the idea - especially since it came from Nick! We visited our local fabric store for some supplies and got to work. We had a ton of fun and created some little masterpieces! Naturally, I snapped a few pics from my iPhone. Though I only took a pic of the first one we made, we ended up with about 10! Our little one might just be the best dressed infant in Manhattan!

Committed

2010-01-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

Photo found here.

I was a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, Love. I loved everything about the book, especially how raw and open the author was throughout her journey. Needless to say, I was seriously excited when I heard about her new book, Committed! I picked up the book last weekend and have just started reading. I can't wait to share my thoughts when I'm done!

Have you read any great books lately? I'd love to hear!

xo,
Ellen

Gender Reveal!

2010-01-16T17:29:00.001-05:00

When I first told her I was expecting, my friend Kelly sent me a link of this fabulous Gender Reveal Party giving me the idea to do something similar. So when we found out the gender of our little one in December, we had a mini Gender Reveal Party of our own! It was nowhere near as fabulous as this one, but it was tons of fun!

As our family members arrived, we had a raffle. Everyone had to make a guess - boy or girl - and after the announcement we drew a name for a prize. Then I baked a cake, which I filled with colored frosting. So everyone found out the baby's gender at the same time - when my Grandmother cut the cake! Here are a few snapshots...

And the BIG REVEAL...

It's a BOY!!

This was such a fun way to share the news with our family, I'm so glad we decided to do it! We are excited to welcome our little boy - who will be named Jack! - into the World this Spring!

French Toast!

2010-01-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

It's been quite a while since I've posted, but I am back! To be honest, I started over thinking my blog and felt like I didn't have anything worth writing about. But I've decided to give it another go without all the pressure. I started this blog as a place to share little things that make me smile, so that's what I'm going to try and stick to! Here goes...

French Toast!This is not actually the french toast I made, I found it here.

This morning I made myself 2 yummy pieces of french toast smothered in cinnamon and syrup. Mmmm... french toast should be the only way that I start my weekends!

Hubby wasn't home this morning, so I decided to treat myself. Now I'm headed to treat myself to a manicure! Happy Saturday, friends!

Enjoy your weekend!

Ellen

If Only....

2009-10-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

...I had somewhere fancy and fabulous to go.

I would SO wear this dress!

Isn't is gorgeous?!

From J.Crew

Big Announcement!

2009-10-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

Last week I mentioned that there had been a lot going on around here, and there has been! My Happily Ever After just keeps getting better...

We're expecting a Baby this April!!!

This fabulous picture was taken (pre-bun-in-the-oven) and edited by our good friend, Kelly! She gave it to us as a congratulations card, but I begged her for the electronic copy so I could share it. I just thought it was so much fun! Thanks Kelly!!

We are so excited - and a bit nervous! - and now we finally get to share the news with everyone!

Thanks for letting me share here too! :)

XO,
Ellen

Happy Anniversary, Love

2009-10-15T13:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Nick,

Thank you. Thank you for loving me so completely and honestly. Thank you for making me laugh so often and for reminding me to enjoy every moment of life. Thank you for showing me that some people are good all the way through. Thank you for cuddling me, rubbing my feet and always taking out the garbage so i don't have to. Thank you for sharing your warm, wonderful family with me and thank you for embracing my family as your own. Thank you for teasing me and then saying that you're just kidding. Thank you for always indulging my desire for an ice cream sundae, even when I really shouldn't have one! Thank you for letting me love you and take care of you. Thank you for letting me worry and fuss over you. Thank you for looking at me that way that you do, it makes me feel like I'm the only thing your eyes can see.

I am so lucky to have you as my friend. You make my life more fun, simply by taking the ride with me. Your ability to laugh in any situation has saved me so many times. I am so lucky to share my life with you. It makes mine so much better! I am so lucky to cuddle up under your arm each night and fall asleep to the sound of your beating heart - if your stomach isn't making louder noises!

Thank you for coming to New York with me and for sometimes putting my happiness before your own. You have made me understand what it means to make sacrifices, but more importantly what unconditional love and support are. Thank you for picking me up when I couldn't stand on my own feet and for loving me anyway. Thank you for loving me enough to move across the country twice. Thank you for watching Project Runway and Glee with me! And for being such a wonderful cheerleader when I'm doubting myself. Thank you for always seeing the good in my heart.

Thank you for marrying me 2 years ago. On that day I couldn't have imagined loving you any more than I already did. I see now how love grows with time. I love you more now that I ever thought I could. When I think about our love, my heart fills up.

Watching you become a Dad will be one of the greatest experiences I can imagine. I cannot wait to see you holding our perfect little baby. I am certain that you will be the best Dad the World has ever known. I am so lucky to call you my partner, my best friend and my Husband.

I love you.

Happy Anniversary!

Long Overdue Update...

2009-10-14T14:58:00.000-04:00

Hello my Friends!

So sorry that it's been a while... lots of things happening here! I'll tell you all about that later... but for now, let's talk about our trip to San Francisco!

For starters, I must say that if I could ever bear to leave NY again, I would love to live in San Fran! I mean, isn't is such a great city?! So much charm but with all the hustle that I love about cities. The truth is that after 2 years in California, I know I could never stand being so far from my family again... I suppose I'll just have to keep visiting!

We did have a wonderful time though. My sister and her Husband arrived at about the same time as we did, so we got to spend our first day site seeing together, which was really nice! It was good quality time with them on a beautiful sunny fall day. We checked out Fisherman's Wharf, visited with the Sea Lions, took in the views of Alcatraz and then indulged in Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes. Yum! Followed by a ride back to the hotel on the Cable Car! Some fun pictures...

My beautiful sister Jen & her Hubby Mike on the cable car!

Now, I didn't mention the fabulous hotel that we stayed in, thanks to my Sister who got us a seriously great deal! We ended up staying at the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental on Nob Hill. The rooms was huge, with great city views and the comfiest beds ever! It was a great little getaway!

My Mom came into the City at about 7:00 that evening, so we met her back at the Hotel. Although, she called as we were waiting for the Cable Car to say "I'll be at the Top of the Mark having a drink. I do hope you'll meet me there." Hilarious. Now, the Top of the Mark is perhaps one of the best parts of our hotel. It is a restaurant/bar/lounge on the 19th floor of the hotel with 360 degree views of the City. It was really a great place to sit for a cocktail! I snapped the picture below of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset from our table. Spectacular!

And as a side note, my Mom was already on her second glass of champagne when we arrived... she was ready to start her vacation! Now, if you know my Mother, you would know how infrequently she has a second glass of anything... it was a fun night!

My Dad arrived - straight from a business meeting - late Friday night. So I didn't get to see him until we were up - bright & early - for our tour Saturday morning. I was nervous that with a late flight, early morning and jet lag he'd be a bit grumpy, but to my delight I walked into the hotel lobby to see a big smile on his face! It seems that we were all so happy to be on vacation that there were endless smiles! Our tour on Saturday took up along the coastline South to Monterrey Bay and Carmel. What spectacular views! This is a stretch of road that I will visit again - although next time I envision myself in a red convertible, not a huge tour bus! I will admit that the spot in Monterrey where we stopped was not at all what I expected. It was very built up and touristy, so that was a bit of a disappointment, but the views made up for it 10 fold! Some snapshots taken from the moving bus - please don't judge the poor quality!

The first shot is looking straight down a steep cliff into the ocean. There was dense fog in the morning, but it burned off by the afternoon. It made for a more dramatic ride though! The second and third pictures are of Monterrey Bay. While the town disappointed a bit, the view of the Bay did not!

After Monterrey, we drove along the 17-mile coast and Pebble Beach. If I were driving, I would have stopped ever 5 feet to take a picture, but alas I was not driving. The views were awesome though, even from a moving bus! We did get to stop at the Lone Cypress Tree though, which was cool! We even got to snap a family photo.

The second stop was at the Pebble Beach lodge. Not the place I would have stopped, but it was beautiful! I'm not into golf at all, but this course must have phenomenal views! The first shot is of the lodge, which was quite fabulous inside - I didn't snap a picture in there - and the second is from the patio. It's a bit hard to see in the small picture, but if you make it bigger you will notice a lovely yacht in the background. Wow!

The last stop on Saturday was in Carmel, where we had a lovely dinner together. Unfortunately, I didn’t snap a single picture there, so I have none to share.

Sunday we were booked for another tour. This time we headed to Napa Valley for some wine tasting! Again, it was a really great day! If you’ve never been to Napa, I highly recommend a visit – even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, the landscape is really beautiful! And the vineyards are all unique and beautifully decorated. It was really fun to visit several wineries and have them all feel worlds apart. Our first stop was to Chandon where we tasted sparkling wines – if they don’t come from the Champagne region in France, they must not be called Champagnes! My Mother especially loved this visit! We had a tour there and got to see the wine making process and the huge barrels where the wine is fermented. Then we sat out in the grotto for our tasting, which made for great ambiance!

Our second stop was at V. Sattui where we had a lovely picnic lunch after tasting. This is the only winery in Napa with a deli attached, so it gets pretty busy. But the deli has a fantastic selection of cheeses, meats and sandwiches. We really had a great lunch! We also got a photo of the immediate family - my Dad, Sister, Mom & I after lunch.

Third stop was the Black Stallion Vineyard. Another beautiful vineyard with great stonework. The first picture is of the barrels where the red wines were aging and the second is the front of the vineyard, which looked like something out of Tuscany only with palm trees. Isn't is beautiful?

Last stop was at the Mario Andretti vineyard. Truth be told, I thought it was a little silly to stop there. I mean what do race car drivers know about wine, right? But I found out that they know how to hire fabulous winemakers! These wines were excellent and the grounds, again, were beautiful! Now the gift shop, which was full of race car gear, was a bit excessive. The grapes in the picture are Merlot grapes that hadn't been harvested yet. I got a tip to try the grape right off the vine. Wow, it was absolutely delicious! So sweet! I advise you to snag a grape if you visit!

After the wine tour, we took a ferry across the Bay back to San Francisco. While it was insanely windy on the deck, the views were worth bearing it! Here's a great shot of the Golden Gate Bridge taken by my sister from the boat.

I didn't mention that Sunday also happened to be the 2nd Anniversary of my marriage to my very Best Friend. I'd like to write a little something about that separately, but wanted to include a little something here. While we were visiting the Black Stallion winery, Nick & I stole away for a quick moment together where we read our vows. It was so incredibly romantic and beautiful. And to my surprise, my Sister took this fabulous picture of our moment. I wanted to share. More on our Anniversary soon.... but thanks, Jen, for capturing such a special moment!

Weekend Getaway!

2009-09-24T16:55:00.000-04:00

We're heading West for the weekend! San Francisco here we come!

Bright and early tomorrow morning, we will be heading to the airport. We've got a jam-packed weekend planned in San Francisco and couldn't be more excited! Not only is it our 2nd Wedding Anniversary!! (Yay!) But we're meeting up with my Parents and my Sister & Brother-In-Law for the weekend. We're looking forward to exploring the City, tasting some wines in Napa and exploring the beautiful coastline! I think it will be an exhausting, but wonderful weekend. I'll let you know all about it when we return next week!

What are you doing this weekend? Whatever your plans, I hope it's fabulous!

xo,
Ellen

This picture is from our trip to SF in 2007 - just days after we got engaged!

Fall is Upon Us!

2009-09-23T14:14:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!
Can you believe that Fall is here already?!
It's starting to feel more and more like Fall everyday here in New York and I must admit that I am loving the crisp air. Don't get me wrong, I love Summer just as much as the next gal. But Fall is really something. The cozy sweaters, boots, changing leaves, sunshine mixed with a cool breeze, football Sundays... Sam Adams Octoberfest on tap, which makes for a happy Husband, even if the Patriots loose! It's just the best!
But my favorite part of fall is fashion! I've been minding my spending lately, but that doesn't mean a lady can't window shop online, right? Check out these fab-u-lous shoes on Piperlime! Don't you just love them?

Right now they've got all shoes 20% off too! Happy Shopping... er, looking! ;)

My Summer Vacation

2009-08-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

I know I've mentioned before that I love my job. I'm really lucky, because it's tons of fun! Best of all I get a ton of vacation time, especially in August! This summer I've taken full advantage of time away from the City and away from the office. Since Monday morning I'll be back in the office and into a routine, I thought I'd celebrate summer one last time. What were your favorite summer memories?

Here are a few of my highlights...

Florida...

Long Island & Fire Island...

Taken on my iPhone in Kismet, Fire Island

My Birthday party...

It was a lobster bake!

Me & Hubby - who's a teacher and doesn't like to shave or get haircuts in the summer :)

My fabulous cake made my Marney!

All of these photos were taken by my friend, Kelly. My camera broke! If I can get some more pics, I'll add them later.
It was tons of fun!

The Lake...NYC...

Many days in the park with Hubby & Daphne.
My Mom and two Grandmothers in Central Park

...and of course a day at Six Flags with my cousins. Too fun!

I've Missed You...

2009-08-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends! It's been a while, huh? I've missed you!

I've been away for just over a week, trying to soak up as much summer as I can before it's gone! Spent a few days with my hubby and his family at Ossippe Lake, NH. It's a beautiful lake in the middle of the mountains. So relaxing! From there we spent a few days with my family by the beach. I love summer, don't you? I'm also really lucky to have a ton of vacation time at work, much of which was used this August. Fun!

What have you been up to?

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-08-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Well loves, it's that time of year again... tomorrow is my 28th Birthday!!

I am looking forward to celebrating with family and some good friends. Tomorrow I will be heading to Fire Island with my love and my sister! We'll have a day at the beach, followed by dinner and drinks by the water. One of my favorite things to do in the Summer! Sunday I'll be hosting some good friends and family for a lobster bake at my Mom's house. I'm really looking forward to a lovely weekend. I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my special day.

My birthday wish? That's a secret, of course! But the truth is that I often think I'm the luckiest gal in the World. I can only wish for that to continue.

What are your weekend plans? Whatever you do, I hope it's fabulous!

xo,
Ellen

Yes, please.

2009-08-14T11:53:00.000-04:00

A couple of weekends ago my hubby & I did some wondering around this fabulous city. We started in the West Village and just roamed around from there. It was a beautiful day! On our journey, we came across some dream homes. Obviously, we couldn't see the insides - but for me that's the fun! Can you imagine what the insides would look like? Wouldn't you love to live in one of these homes?

If one of these gorgeous homes belong to you... can I come over?

Don't you just love the red door?

My appologies for the poor quality of the pics - they were all taken with my iPhone on a very sunny day!

Only in New York

2009-08-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

So I'm walking down the street yesterday and stumble upon this cupcake truck.

Now, maybe this is old news. But it's new to me! And I thought it was such a great idea - gourmet cupcakes on the go. Just thought I'd share...

I appologize for the terrible picture, it was taken on my phone at night... and no, that's not me in the picture.

Kate Spade

2009-08-13T09:56:00.000-04:00

So I know I'm not the first person who's noticed the new Kate Spade clothing line. But have you seen it?! Wow. It's darling! I happened to wander past her store in NYC the other night and was blown away by the color and designs. In fact, I had to snap a picture right then! (The store was closed so it wasn't completely embarrassing!) My current dream item for fall has to be this black & white coat. Isn't it something?

Bottom 5 photos found here.

Home Sweet Home...

2009-08-12T10:20:00.000-04:00

After 10 days in Florida, we're home!

As much as I love to travel and go away, I equally love coming home. It's a nice feeling.

We did have a great vacation though. As I mentioned, it was a big family party for my Uncle's 50th Birthday. So almost all of my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins were there. I can't remember the last time I spent a week with my cousins, especially now that we live around the country and all work full-time. So it was great to hang out and reconnect. My Uncle rented a condo at a beach club in Jupiter, Fl right on the ocean. It was beautiful! Most of us didn't actually stay there, but it became our meeting place because of the beach access, pools and grills for BBQing. We were lucky enough to stay with my Grandmother who rented a nice size condo so we could stay with her - this is what made it so easy for us to extend out vacation! One highlight was watching the sea turtles. We watched several nests of baby turtles hatch and make their first trek into the ocean. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had. I wasn't able to get a good picture, but my Aunt got one. As soon as I get it, I'll be sure to post! It was truly awesome!

I have to be honest though... I missed this little blog. As you may have noticed, I couldn't help myself from figuring out how to access my blog from my phone to update. I also sat for some time each morning on my little phone scanning my favorite blogs. What can I say. I'm hooked!

So below are some pictures I took on my iPhone last week - I haven't uploaded my camera yet, so these pictures will have to do!

But I'm also dying to know what you've been up to while I was away? I must also send a huge thanks to those who have left me comments - it's such a wonderful feeling to know that someone is reading!
Thank you.

Palm trees make me smile.

Some of my family hanging out in the evening.

The moon was amazing reflecting over the ocean.

My cousin Nicole watching the sunrise.

Nicole, Hubby & I got up at 6am to watch the sun come up.
It was worth it!

This was taken from the plane window on our way to Florida. The clouds looked so cool!

Quick post from Florida

2009-08-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I'm trying out email posting for the first time from my iPhone in Florida. My appologies if it doesn't come out nicely!

I was excited to tell you that some of my engagement photos have been posted on prettychicky.com!!
(http://prettychicky.com/1819/engagement/engagement-session-on-the-beach#comments)
Naturally, I'm completely biased, but I think they're hilarious!

I hope you're all having a fabulous week! We're having such a great time that we've decided to extend our vacation until Monday!

Have a wonderful day!
xoxo

A ocean sunrise

2009-08-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Weekend!

2009-07-31T06:28:00.001-04:00

Happy Weekend Loves!!

I'm off to Florida for a little beach time until Wednesday. I hope you're all doing something fabulous and relaxing this weekend too!

Enjoy!

xo.

Nothing like a family vacation...

2009-07-30T13:44:00.001-04:00

I'm off to Florida tomorrow for a little - well rather large actually - family vacation. You see, it's my Uncle's 50th Birthday. To commemorate such an occasion, my entire extended family are traveling to Florida for the "Bash for the Ass" festivities! We will be enjoying the beach, water sports, a bocce ball tournament and no doubt some drinking. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm really looking forward to getting away, and my family always make me laugh.

Before I go, I am treating myself to a pedicure! I mean, you can't go on a beach vacay without one, right?! But here's the thing. I'm going bold on my toesies. What do we think about Punchy Pink? I'm gonna do it! I'll update a picture later...

I probably won't see you all for a few days while I'm away... but have fun!

Well loves, my pedicure didn't go exactly as planned. It ended up being an at home pedi with a color as close to punchy pink as I could get - voltage pink! As promised, I snapped a pic on the iPhone for you - appologies that it's a terrible picture! But I do love the color, it's so fun!!

Backyard Makeover

2009-07-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

As you know, I am a City girl. I have learned to accept that small spaces are a part of life in New York. And when you have Central Park, who needs a backyard! Right?! Not for this family. I am totally lusting for this backyard, isn't it fabulous?

This is a renovatin on a row house in Brooklyn. This is the before...

You can read about the family here. They decided they needed an outdoor space for their new baby and left their Manhattan loft for this lovely spot in Brooklyn. What a renovation, huh? I am in LOVE with that backyard!
Photos from Cookie.

I originally saw these pics here on Abbey's fabulous blog. Thanks Abbey!

Blog Love

2009-07-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

As you may know, I'm still pretty new to this whole blog thing. I've been spending a lot of time at my computer lately, reading other blogs and working on mine. I love it! But, I think my new hobby confuses my Hubby. So tonight he came and sat with me at the computer to see what it is I was doing. we looked through some of the blogs I love together and he even gave me some ideas! How cute is that?!
He's a catch.

Naturally, I needed to snap a pic of this!

Bella Itallia

2009-07-29T12:51:00.000-04:00

I happened to visit Lovely Little Things today and saw some fabulous pictures of her trip to Italy. It made me insanely jealous, but also nostalgic of my time in Italy! I spent a semester abroad in Florence my Junior year of college. One of the best times of my life. A little piece of my heart will forever live in Florence. While in Florence I did a ton of traveling around Italy and Europe. One of my favorite spots is Cinqueterre and string of 5 charming little fishing villages carved into the coast. There is a path that you can hike between the villages that is breathtakingly beautiful! This is one of her pics... maybe later I'll try to dig out a few of my own.

Bella Italia

Photo found here.

60th Anniversary

2009-07-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

How adorable is this?
This morning I stumbled upon Jess' blog Hartthrobs & Villians for the first time. It's great fun and will be added to my daily reads. But this post just blew my mind!

These are actual pictures from her Grandparent's Honeymoon in Cape Cod from 60 years ago! Wow.

Pictures were found here.

Kate Winslet

2009-07-24T09:28:00.001-04:00

Can we talk about how beautiful she is? Seriously. Stunning!

Pictures from Harper Bazaar found here.

Little Laughs

2009-07-21T22:14:00.000-04:00

Photos by Moi.

Rough Monday.

2009-07-20T22:13:00.000-04:00

So today was an especially tough day at work. So tonight I decided to sit in front of my computer and look at pictures that make me happy... wedding pictures, old pictures, fun pictures. I decided to share a few. These are from a hot air balloon ride we took in San Diego, it was awesome!

Weekends...

2009-07-20T14:28:00.000-04:00

Monday mornings are always so difficult... especially after a fabulous weekend!

What did you do this weekend?

I got to spend a little bit of time enjoying my parent's backyard. I also went to a fun Baby Shower for one of my good friends. So excited to meet her little one!

Some pics from Mom's backyard... Bliss!

My dog is the white one, she loves visits with my Mom's dog Shockey. They love to bark at the swans & boats passing by.

What are you grateful for?

2009-07-17T08:37:00.000-04:00

So, I like to read Jason Mraz’s blog Freshness Factor Five Thousand.

Today he posed the question “What are you grateful for?”

I’m grateful for so many things… but I’ll start with 5:

1- Hubby… the best friend & guy a girl can find. I told him this weekend he was my glue. This, I think, is a good way to sum up all of what he is. He’s the glue that keeps it all together and working. He’s also my best friend.

2- My job. I probably won’t get into great detail about what I do here, but to sum it up – I’m blessed. I get to work with kids aged 14-20 who are exceptionally talented and basically remarkable. Not to mention the fabulous team of staff members that I get to work with each day. Lots of fun is had here, let alone the inspiration that comes from watching teenagers pursue their dreams.

3- NYC. I get to live in the greatest city in the World (in my humble opinion). I love living in NYC and can’t imagine life anywhere else. I live between the Hudson River and Central Park and have the option each morning of taking my dog for a walk along the river or through the Park. What a life!

4- My family. I am born & bread here in the NY Metro area. I have a big, crazy family and I couldn’t imagine anything better. Much of my family live in the Metro Area still, although some have ventured away. I tried to be one of the wanderers, but realized after 2 years that I couldn’t bear to be anywhere but NY. Someday I’ll tell you more about those adventurers… But I love being around my family, especially my sister and cousins! I also have the best in-laws imaginable, and I love being with that side of my family as well. What can I say, I’m a lucky girl!

5- Friends. I have some of the best friends I could ever dream up. Friends who now live all around the country. They each bring something wonderful to my life.

So now I ask… what are you grateful for?

Sunday Mornings

2009-07-16T21:59:00.000-04:00

Have you ever sat on a park bench with a latte and just sat. It's a fabulous way to spend an hour... or a morning. This is of my favorite Sunday morning pastimes. Walking in Central Park with hubby, our dog and a latte.
What's your favorite weekend pastime?