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.

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! 

Winterize Your Wardrobe

How to Repurpose Your Summer Clothing. . .

The worst part about living in New York is quite frankly the closet space (unless your famous or just dripping in money) you are left to the most measly sized of closets. I was dreading the move here for this particular reason form the very beginning. Given back in Kansas I was livin' the dream. I had four closets and one was just purely dedicated to my shoes! It took me ages to sort through everything and after many headaches, and a few tears I got rid of about 2/3 of my closet and about 1/2 of my shoes. . . although a few extras might have snuck their way here. I swear I have no idea how that happened. . . When I arrived to New York I thought the boy was going to kill me we had my clothes coming out of our ears. They were EVERYWHERE! And he only recently discovered a few weeks ago I've been storing sweaters in our coffee bar drawers. . . oops. 

What felt like months, I finally had everything situated and home for all my treasures. I even managed to bag up another round of donate items that I couldn't part with in Kansas. I had to 'divide' my closet, which I haven't had to do since I lived in a little shoebox of a flat in London. Where I put all my winter clothes in tubs and stuff them under the bed and leave all the valuable hanging space and dresser drawers for everyday things and summer goodies. Well, as the leaves have been turning and the air around us keeps getting more crisp I've had the dreaded task of switching out my light, bright summer clothing with my bulky, heavy winter outfits. I fiiiinnallly just finished playing musical 'tubs' with my clothes and our bedroom has ceased to look like a littered dressing room.

This new divided closet brought about a new problem however. Before, in Kansas all my clothes were on display and readily available so I could mix and match as I pleased. Now, the likeliness of me digging under my bed to find that 'one skirt' that matches perfectly with my jacket is well- None. So, I decided to hold back any summer clothes I saw winter potential in, and proceeded to pack up all the clothes that screamed- it's 100 degrees! 

I love mixing and matching clothes that you might only have seen one purpose for, it's like a favourite hobby of mine. It's a great way to get extra milage out of the clothes you already have and make new outfits you might never have thought of. They tend to end up being some of my favourite outfits. 

Here's some examples of how you can get creative 

and get those extra wears out of the items you love!

Don't be afraid to add pops of colour to your cooler weather clothes. This is one of my favourite summer dresses, it's bright and cheery yellow stripes are sure to put you in a good mood. I paired it with a muted gray sweater so the yellow wasn't too overwhelming. I belted the top to keep that cinched waist of the dress I love. Add your favourite ankle boots, a chunky necklace and you're ready to go! 

You'd think this light weight turquoise crop top had seen the last of it's days when the weather veered south of 80, but think again! I gave it a whole new life by pairing it with a heavy long-sleeve white top, dark wash denim jeans and blinged it out with some jewelry and fun suede knee-high boots to make this a perfect go-to for any causal day. 

This backless summer dress lends itself to the fall colour palette making it a simple transition to your winter wardrobe. I pulled out the plum colour from the print and added some tights, threw on a solid chunky knit cream sweater and added a thin braided belt to add some more texture to make a shape out of a bulky sweater! I added a fun military inspired boots to keep that edgy chic look and one of my favourite vintage clutches. My back is covered from the cold viola, now I can wear this dress all year long. 

Key Items to Look for:

•  Already have a fall colour palette (plums, deep reds, browns, oranges, tans, blacks, dark greens)
• Can easily be paired with a long sleeve shirt to give it a new life
• A fun dress that matches a sweater you own

Easy Add-Ons to Instantly Winterize:

• tights, tights, tights! 
• Winter boots
• A great sweater or awesome jacket

What Are You Waiting For? Go Winterize Your Wardrobe!

A Little Thing Called Brunch

It Isn't Breakfast, It Isn't Lunch. It's Brunch. 

Had you asked me a few months prior I would have told you Brunch was something left in the 90's, or something that older people do. In the midwest the rare occasion brunch even comes up it is as a family thing after church. Once in a blue moon. Maybe. In New York City brunch is a very different story. A favourite pastime enjoyed on either coast that hasn't seemed to reach the center of America just yet.

 Forget old timers, brunch is a time to don your high heels and put on your best lipstick. Brunch is a time for mimosas, a time to catch up with your friends, de-stress about your long work week and a time to indulge in your breakfast favourites without having to wake up early for it. Brunch is fantastic. 

I had two wonderful brunch dates this weekend! The first on Saturday was with the boy at home, we traded in our brunch best for our PJs and cooked up one of our breakfast favourites-mini omelets! 

Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it for a quick and easy breakfast. 

They are also great to save for a grab-n-go morning bite on your way out the door!

Mini Omelets

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
• I love these because it's a great way to use up whatever you have in your fridge! This time I used tofu turkey, mushrooms, spinach, onion and freshly grated cheese. Dice all the ingredients up you want to use into small pieces. Mix it up and try different combinations. Here are a few tried and true combinations the boy and I enjoy:
• Spinach, feta, mushroom and cherry tomato
• Cheddar cheese, tofu sausage pieces and onion
• Mushroom, green & red pepper, tomato, onion and colby jack cheese
• For the meat eaters you could try cut up breakfast sausage, bacon pieces or ham!
• Mix 5 eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, a touch of basil and thyme (for a healthier alternative just use the egg whites!) A lot of similar recipes call for an egg per omelet but I think it's unnecessary extra calories.
• Coat a muffin tin with vegetable oil (or coconut oil for you uber conscious)
• Fill the bottom of each circle with your chosen ingredients to about 3/4 full
• Pour the beaten eggs and spices over the top of each until about half way full
• Put the muffin tins in the oven for 20-25 minutes
• Pop out and enjoy or let cool then wrap them up individually to use through out the week!

Sunday I indulged in a more New York traditional brunch date with my old friend. Here's the brunch outfit I put together. A muted dust pink polka dot skirt, a low back three quarter length cream crochet top with a turquoise drop necklace and coordinating flats. I threw on a braided belt to cinch in the waist, a gray clutch and I was ready to brunch!

We met on 39th and 6th ave at the Refinery Hotel, right in the middle of the garment district and ate downstairs at Parker & Quinn (or P&Q). It was a cute little restaurant with black leather booths and crystal ball chandeliers and classic New York City decorum. The perfect setting for the ultimate NYC Sunday brunch. The service was a little slow but it was worth the wait. I had a yummy mimosa I had been craving, a perfect omelet with delicious golden potatoes and toast I didn't even get to. The restaurant was speckled with both hotel guest, new york brunchers and a table next to us of tourists (easy to spot with NYC tourist books). I loved the atmosphere of this entire hotel, it was very luxurious and modern. After finishing up brunch we headed to the 13th floor for the Refinery Rooftop. 

The rooftop was my favourite spot of the day! Had the sun been hitting us it would have been the absolute perfect time. It was slightly chilly but the view made it worth it. They have the whole rooftop decked out with outdoor sofas, benches and even a sofa swing, complete with lighted trees and flowers.  It was unusually empty (thanks to the game) and we enjoyed the perfect spot almost completely to ourselves! I had a 'pumpkin patch' in honor of the fall and my love for all things pumpkin! This has quickly become a prime spot for after hours during the work week since their opening, but I highly recommend it for a nice drink in this cool weather over the weekends as well!

I am loving the New York Brunch scene and know it's definitely going to become part of my usual schedule (most weeks). Can't wait to try out different recipes and find new places to much for brunch!