Wizard of Oz

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Photo: Oscar Blog

This Saturday will mark the 75th anniversary of the all-time classic movie 'Wizard of Oz' and it can't help but stir up some feelings of nostalgia and a twinge of home sickness for my home state- Kansas. With a new baby just weeks away from arriving it is times like these I wish I had a pair of handy ruby red slippers I could click together to get me home to see my family and friends. 

Here are the top 5 things I Miss About Kansas:

1. Family- first and foremost I miss the days I could walk over to my parents house or hop in a car and be at my sisters in 30 minutes or even my grandparent's place in 3 short hours. Now that I'm half way across the country I desperately miss being able to pop over just to say "hi".
2. Commute- In NY you can grab a bus, a train, the metro, about 50 different cab companies, a taxi, a cycle rickshaw or face the crowded streets to get just about anywhere- which is great but you undoubtably are forced to face delays, waiting in lines, grumpy commuters and flocks of slow tourists, I miss the days where you can hop in your car parked conveniently in your own driveway and be anywhere in 15 minutes.
3. A Yard- Not only has it been an adjustment for taking the dogs out to a patch of pavement (both for them and us) but I miss being able to enjoy soaking up the sun on the warm summer days outside in the privacy of your own home. The relaxing, quiet has been replaced with stoop sitting and watching passer bys and chatting with neighbors. 
4. Parking- Finding a parking spot anywhere near your destination is like spotting a unicorn, it is mysterious, magical and an overall unobtainable thing; and this is only after you've managed to decipher the mile long list of parking signs (Can park here on the second Tuesday of an even month between 2:00-5:00 but only if your car is the perfect shade of periwinkle). When the coveted unicorn sighting falls through the inevitable pricey parking garages are sure to clean out half your budget for the day. Oh Kansas and your blocks and blocks of parking dedicated to each building or store, half of which are always empty, how I will never take you for granted again.
5. Prices- The city has everything you could ever need or want and about a million different places that not only offer it but will probably deliver it too, but you pay for it. Everyone has to make rent including businesses and it's reflected in their prices. Sometimes it's hard not to think about what we could afford back in Kansas for the prices we pay here. 

As much as I love my new home here there will always be things and people, of course, that I miss and won't be able to be replaced from my old one. My mother sent me this adorable collection of Itty Bittys by Hallmark with all the Wizard of Oz characters so we can share a bit of Kansas with our baby girl.


 Here are some of the cute little characters for sale through Amazon!

Neighbor Wars

The Down & Gritty of the City

Have you ever seen 'The Duplex'? If you haven't you should it's a pretty hilarious depiction of a young couple getting their first place together in New York (starring Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller) and all the ridiculousness that ensues from their upstairs neighbor, a very elderly lady. Well unfortunately, this isn't far off from the realities of what New Yorkers face with their one or some cases many neighbors. It is very, very different from the midwest roots I'm used to.

Unless you're still in a college dorm, in New York you don't get to know your neighbor. They can't be bothered with silly mundane details like a strangers name or where they work which is so far removed from Kansas where you know all your neighbors names, their kids names and even their cell phone number. New Yorkers don't have time for that, and in a place that is home to the ever changing real-estate it's no wonder because no one lives in one place for very long before rent is pushed up and your pushed out into the new up and coming area. 

Well the boy and I have found ourselves smack dap in the middle of a full fledged neighbor war with our upstairs neighbor. I've only actually seen the guy and his girlfriend a handful of times, I don't even think I could point him out in a line up, but trust me that doesn't keep me from absolutely despising the guy. And we only know his name because we get his mail all the time. It all started when our old neighbor who was friendly enough but still kept to himself (the quintessential perfect New York neighbor) moved out and this guy  moved in. We each have a recycling bin and trash bin outside, all standing together. Well the day he moved in he filled all of them up to the brim and had trash spilling all over the walkway. Then there the trash sat. For a week. I took it all out for him, despite the fact that they took our bins and they were so full there wasn't any room for our own that week. Hey, maybe he had a lot of stuff from moving in. He was new, he didn't know the trash schedule yet. Give the guy a break. Didn't think much of it. 

Then it became a habit. He used whichever bins he felt like and never took anything out. Ever. Listen buddy, I have enough of my own things to do than to worry about your stinky trash too. In New York recycling is picked up once a week but only a certain kind like paper one week, plastics and cans the next. So if it's mixed or the wrong week they obviously won't take it. He kept throwing in whatever with ours so unless I wanted to dig it out myself it wouldn't be picked up or we would have to wait another week to put it out.

It's one of those little things that just irks you and the longer it goes the more it builds. Next thing we know, his girlfriend moves in, they park the wrong way on the street and prevent the plows from getting our road when it snows- which lately has been a lot. They are so loud going up the stairs they almost knocked pictures off our kitchen wall (which is under their front door) and you can hear everything they talk about. I mean, everything. Next our bathroom ceiling started to leak, and leak is putting it lightly, we had water pouring down the walls and straight off the ceiling. It was insane. The idiot broke his sink.

He's definitely not on my good list and every time I see he's home. . . which is all the time. . . I seethe. Doesn't he have a job?? Either of them?? They finally took the trash out. . . kinda. . . after we stopped taking it out and let it sit, just to see. It sat there for over a MONTH. What's more is he kept just piling more trash bags around it. It was in the middle of winter and it still smelled. We hounded our landlords and I'm sure they passed it on and he finally dragged three of the four bins out, on the wrong day never the less. Now they have highjacked the only two not broken ones and the two they left behind are disgusting and one is still full to the brim with his last trash load.  I'm about ready to dump it on their front door. I never knew someone who plays such a small part in your life could be so largely annoying. Unlike in 'The Duplex' (seriously go watch it, you'll get a taste of what we're going through) I don't think we'll need to go to such extreme measures to remedy the situation but we certainly will be counting the days until we move out!

Here's to The Future Quiet, Uneventful Neighbors!

100 Happy Days

Sounds silly, but really think about it. With all of life's stresses (BIG and small) it's easy to get bogged down and forget to appreciate the little things or the tiny special moments we usually take for granted. I found this floating around on Facebook and decided to check it out. It's a worldwide movement challenging people to be happy for 100 days. Check it out Here. 

With the boy and I's most recent conversation of how we always do a million things at once, and with some upcoming job changes (again), a move, buying a new car and oh yeah, you know we're getting married in a month! It's needless to say, we have a lot going on. And that tends to be our standard these days. Sometimes it's hard to not loose the little tender moments in the giant shuffle of everyday mayhem. 

I think this is a genius idea. To simply remind ourselves to take a moment to breath each day in and actually enjoy it, not just wake up and go through the motions. I will be starting my 100 day challenge tomorrow, if you care to join me sign up on their site or just do it all on your own! I will be posting my #100HappyDays on my Instagram if you want to check out what makes me smile in the next 100 days! 

100 Reasons to Smile!

New Job

Starting a New Chapter. . . 

I recently took on a new job that is pretty far removed from the glitz and glamour of fashion. I've traded in high heels and makeup for baby bottles and diapers. I'm officially a nanny of two sweet little boys, a six week old and a three year old who affectionately calls me "Un". I'm still doing design work on the side but I've decided to only take on very specific clients after dealing with a very dysfunctional one previously (One was enough!) so it can remain my passion and be enjoyable not a chore or a means to an end! I'm currently working with a wonderful photographer on a year long project that she is creating, shooting and publishing. I can't wait to share more on that later but I have to keep it under wraps for the time being. Between that project and making my wedding dress, I think that's all I'll take on fashion wise for this year!

Nannying is kind of a big deal on the East Coast, they are very common! Almost every family with younger children has one, which coming from Kansas is just crazy and very, very different. I think the Midwest has a lot more households that have one parent that stays home with the kids all day or if both parents work I think taking the child to daycare is a lot more common practice than hiring a live-in (or out) nanny.

I'm so excited to start this new chapter in my life, something away from the fast paced fashion world and in addition a very rewarding experience. The small taste of motherhood has given me an even larger appreciation not only for all mothers (or stay at home Dads!) but for mine in particular! These little boys have the same difference in age as my older sister and I, so I'm getting a first hand experience of exactly what my Mom went through with us!! And I have to say. . . Sorry Mom!

Both the boys are at such an adorable age and are hitting so many firsts in their little lives, many of which I've already been apart of. The parents are a younger couple and are as sweet as can be, I'm thankful they've chosen me to be with their family during these precious times. Sometimes it's truly like getting a glimpse into the future (however near or far off that may be). Although, this was not a path I ever saw for myself, I think this job fell into my lap at the perfect time and I already couldn't imagine having taken another job to do something else.  I've already learned so much about myself and I can't wait to see these little boys continue to grow and learn every day!

Precious Moments.

12 Months of Christmas

Paying it Forward

This Christmas at the dinner table as we were all talking about how thankful we were to all be together as a family and enjoying the holiday, my mother came up with a challenge for everyone. I'm calling it twelve months of Christmas. The surge in charity donations and volunteers in the months surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas is astounding, which is wonderful, but what about the rest of the year?

It seems the world is cheerful and comes together but once a year, and the remaining days people are often left to fend for themselves. We all have so much to be thankful for and are not in 'need' of anything, and I think many people in the same situation take that for granted. I'm not talking about who has the latest video game, the most expensive designer purse or who has gone on the most exotic vacation. I'm talking a roof over your head (no matter how big or small), food in your belly and being surrounded by ones you love. Some people are not so lucky. We may not be able to change their fortune or their situations but you have the power to change their mood, their view and even their day. Just letting someone know that they aren't alone or that someone cares about them may be the biggest change of all. 

My mom challenged us to pay it forward this year. 

Twelve good deeds. Twelve touched lives, big or small.  That's only once a month.

I want to start a ripple effect. Here. Today. 

I challenge you to do the 12 months of Christmas with me! 

You don't even have to celebrate Christmas to be able to join in! Blog about it, Instagram it #12xChallenge, Tweet it, Facebook it, Share it with your friends, or do it in secret. If everyone did twelve selfless things this year and touched twelve new lives we can create a ripple effect by paying it forward. Post links to your blogs, pictures or pages. I'd love to hear some things you've done to pay it forward or ideas you plan on doing in the near future. 

Pay It Forward. 

Chloe + Isabel

Excited to Announce I'm a Merchandiser!

If you didn't catch it in my Black Friday post, I am excited to announce that I am now a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel jewelry! It is a start up company, founded and based out of where else but, New York City! Everything is designed here in NYC and each piece is hand crafted,  can you believe that? All jewelry is hypo-allergenic (thank goodness because my skin is ridiculously sensitive) and nickel free and every item is backed by a life time guarantee to boot! Get it caught in you jacket and break that new necklace- send it in and they replace it wether you bought it a month ago, a year or five! Crazy, right?! 

They don't sell wholesale or in ANY retail outlet they sell directly through people like me, the merchandisers! I love that it leaves me flexibility with my schedule and that I can do things my way. That also means I can bring great giveaways and discounts to YOU! (Little heads up- I've got a great giveaway planned for the New Year so stay tuned!) Can't wait until then? Shop my boutique for all your stocking stuffer and gal pal needs now. 

Use the code: FRIEND for 25% off your entire purchase!

That means you can snag adorable deals like these for as low as $16! 

I'm crossing off all the girls on my list now- there is seriously something for everyone. Hurry, discount is only until the 11th! 

  

I wouldn't represent something I don't believe in and I find

Chloe + Isabel wonderful for so many different reasons:

• It's a start up - I love supporting other entrepreneurs and small businesses
• It's fashionable- love the style and so have Vogue, Style and Glamour magazines!
• It was founded by a woman- call me a feminist but I'll always support this
• They back up their products with a life time guarantee so you know you're getting your moneys worth
• It gives women like me the chance to work from home rather than selling out to massive stores
• They come up with incentives for people to host Chloe+Isabel parties every month

So excited to start this new endeavor and experience in my life!

If you want to be a host and earn free jewelry send me a message 

even if you're not in the New York area I can help you out! 

Black Friday Madness

The Craze, The Crowds, The Deals.

As today stretches on, it's like I can feel the city preparing itself for tomorrows festivities. Everyone seems to have already checked out of work mode and are mentally on Holiday break. Even as the freezing rain is sweeping through New York, 

it hasn't dulled the excitement that is buzzing around Thanksgiving! 

My mouth is already watering just thinking about all the sweets and fall goodies that tomorrow will bring.

Though there is something darker looming closer as well. A craze that has swept our nation and seems to grow out of control every year. Once, a fun easy going day where generations of families could go out shopping for their loved ones and bask in the glow of a great deal. It was an extension of Thanksgiving, a way to bond and bring in the next holiday. It was Black Friday. It since has turned quite sinister, evolving into a monster that spans longer and longer each year, Black Weeks would be a more suited title. There is now Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday and "Don't Stop Sunday" probably isn't far behind. Companies battling each other, each trying to out do the other. Starting sooner, lasting days sometimes weeks longer, and the deals and tactics getting more and more outlandish. Now, it's fairly common to read about fights breaking out and people even being trampled as the big name stores open their doors in the wee hours of the morning. I'm not sure about you, but this doesn't sound like the "Holiday Spirit" to me!

Since New York City is the breeding ground for shopping, it's safe to say I will be boarded up in my home with my boy and my pups (probably slightly bloated from the day prior's festivities) like the apocalypse was here. I don't handle rush hour subway crowds very well so I shutter to think about ones on Black Friday.

 Just the mere mention of it makes me feel like this…

So for those of you crazy enough to risk not only your patience, 

but possibly a limb or two here is a list of the biggest deals going on in NYC: 

• Toys "R" Us: Is an early opener at 5pm on Thanksgiving. Good-luck with that I'll be halfway through my dinner at this point.
• Walmart: Our second runner-up opening at 6pm on Turkey Day and have a one-hour in-stock guarantee. One hour? Better be first in line. . . 
• Best Buy: Also played into the early start and will be opening at 6pm this year Thursday. Offering deals like a Kindle Fire HD 7 for $99. Almost makes it tempting. Almost.
• Old Navy: Opens a 7pm Thanksgiving and is offering everything for half off. And the first 500 customers (in all of America, mind you) will be entered into a $1 Million sweepstakes
• Target: One of my personal favourite go-to shops has fallen for the trend as well opening its doors at 8pm after turkey dinner. I'll be having seconds by this point. 
• Macy's: The legendary Macy's is starting at 8:00 sharp. I can see the madness already.

Now for those of you who are bunkering down like me, don't fret it doesn't mean you're doomed to full priced holiday gifts this season. In fact the wonderful technology driven world we live in today ensures that almost every big name store is offering similar if not the EXACT same deals online as they are in stores. So you can cuddle up with your loved ones and a hot cup of cocoa, maybe even a slice of that leftover pumpkin pie (just saying) and scour the savings online in the comfort and warmth of your own home. Once again, I do not understand the people that rather battle it out with strangers or be ran over by that coupon clipping granny, but hey more power to ya!

Here are my Black Friday (and Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday..) Online Shopping Tips!

1. Check out Black Friday it's going to be your best friend this week. A website with an alphabetical (and searchable) list of every sale going on out there. It's updating constantly to keep up with the current deals. Look for your favourite stores, click, shop and save!
2. Don't have a favourite store in mind? Take a look at Slick Deals offering the best promotions and deals out there for products. You can search by category ('shoes' 'apparel' 'travel') and even has a tab of complete freebies just waiting to be redeemed! What are you waiting for?
3.  Fat Wallet is another similar shopping tool. I think it's slightly more difficult to navigate but still plenty of deals just waiting to be taken. You can even sort through deals by the % off their offering.
4. Froogle. Never heard of it? Neither had I. It's owned by, you guessed it- Google, but it's purely for shopping. Type in that lovely gift you're searching for and it instantly price compares across the board. No more searching for hours comparing prices trying to save a penny or two- it does it for you. Where has this been all my life??
5. And last but certainly not least, when your prizes of glory are gleaming in your victory cart and you're about to close the deal check out Retail Me Not  for those last minute savings, enter any online store and it pulls up all the available coupon codes for extra bonus savings. I use this every time I buy anything online!

And of course because as maddening as the whole thing is, I have to be apart of it too (from the safety of my own home, of course) Take 40% off all statement necklaces from 10 PM Turkey Day (after you're pleasantly stuffed and the kids have been put to bed) to 11:59 PM EST Friday Night! 

Plenty of time to mull over these adorable stocking stuffers, hint to the Mr, and treat yourself to that something special to sparkle this Holiday season. 

*Shop My Chloe+Isabel Collection!

Hope these tips have helped those avid Black Friday shoppers, 
no matter which way you chose to do it.
Happy Shopping and
May the Deals Be Ever in Your Favor!

 

DIY-Advent Calendar

An Easy Daily Activity Advent Calendar

Since I've been having trouble sleeping recently and I always love a good craft I decided to whip up a super easy DIY activities advent calendar to be all ready for December. I grabbed some things from my craft room and got started. This can be recreated with things you have around the house!

Here's What You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Red & Green Paper
• Markers
• 25 Manilla tags
• Red Ribbon
• Thick ribbon any colour (I picked green polka dot)
• a used Christmas card
• Tape

 

Cut out strips of coloured paper leaving the front a little shorter than the height of the manilla tag so it pops up from the front. Fold the back down and tape down to create a loop for your ribbon to be strung through. I used markers to create "stitches" along the pouches to give it a more handmade look. 

Make sure to tape up the sides to prevent the tags from falling out the sides!

String your ribbon through the backs to create a long chain. I alternated green and red, but you can mix it up however you feel. I used green and red markers to number each one. I cut out holiday characters from a used Christmas card and taped them onto separate pieces of paper and inserted them into the chain to break up the numbers. I used my thick polka dot green ribbon to make two large cute bows to dress up the ends of the wall hanging.

 I'm a big believer in experiences over gifts, so instead of filling our pouches with little presents or candy (when let's face it the Holidays are already filled with enough tempting sweets and treats) I filled them with various activities to do with the boy. I cut up strips of the extra red ribbon and tied them to each manilla tag, as an easy pull tab from each pouch. Then I labeled each tag with an activity with markers, if you have kids this would be fun to have them help out with this part. 

The holidays can be stressful enough with a laundry list of things you need to buy and get done, so I had to put some thought into where each activity went. Put the activities that require a bit more time on a weekend, and the activities that are easy to do during the week when you might be caught up in work things. This is supposed to make December more fun, not more stressful so don't overwhelm yourself with activities that are going to be too hard to complete. Plop them in each slot and you've got yourself a personalized advent calendar! 

Stuck on ideas? Pick some of these and mix in some of your own traditions or favourites!

• Donate something to a local charity
• Drink hot cocoa
• Go iceskating
• Attend a Christmas Party
• Do a random act of kindness
• Have a game night
• Make apple cider
• Go Christmas caroling
• Bake fresh cookies and decorate them
• Make a snowman
• Crank up the Holiday music
• Eat a candy cane
• Share your favourite holiday memories
• Sleep under the Christmas tree
• Build a snowman
• Go window shopping
• Kiss under the mistletoe
• Check out the neighborhood lights
• Have a gingerbread house competition
• Take a holiday picture
• Make a wish for the new year
• Send a Holiday letter
• Eat breakfast for dinner
• Go shopping for stocking stuffers
• Make paper snowflakes
• Watch a cheesy Christmas movie
• Volunteer together
• Go Sledding

Enjoy Your Christmas Countdown!