BLING

Sister, I LOVE the idea of you adding alittle bling to your holiday decorations.  The wrapping paper sounds wild.  I like to change things up myself but this year I still feel a bit inspired by nature.  And I will say that I bought new halloween lights that were LED.  They kind of glowed.  It was weird.

I still have thoughts of the lovely storefront window of that little shop in Annapolis.  Thanks for sharing the picture.  I already tried to copy the display with my own small tree branches and natural ornaments.  Besides that Mike already has the outside of the house aglow in classic white lights.  I have some catching up to do on the inside.  Stay tuned.

Tracy 

In Excess

Sometimes I think my greige world ~ house, closet, etc. ~ could use a dose of daring. While my environment whispers calm, should it shout for joy? Christmas seems like the time to give it a try..

First, I purchased new lights for our Christmas tree. Not the usual twinkly, white ones -- the giant, colorful bulbs that were popular when we were kids. Remember those? Three boxes, just to be sure there is enough bling on our tree.

Next stop, the wrap. (hope you are sitting down ;) Rolls of shiny, jewel colored paper..passionate purple, hot pink, lime green. No bows or ribbon either. Piles of brightly colored pom poms instead. Masterpieces of happiness and cheer. Wish me luck.

Proudly, I showed Grace our new, merry lights. She said in horror, "Mommy, our handmade decorations aren't going to look good. Those colorful lights will get all of the attention."

What do you think? I'd love to know.

Tricia

DRINK

Coming off such a great holiday weekend, I think everyone is still a bit tipsey.  Not literally, just figuratively.  A little pep in the step, some good holiday spirit.

I noticed there were some shutter bugs capturing the Thanksgiving festivities.  I was not one of them.  But as I was looking at the few pictures I took, I had to chuckle.  This picture looks like someone truly is going to fall into "the drink".

Cheers!
Tracy

me&t thanksgiving

me&t celebrated Thanksgiving together this year. Seven kiddies, six adults, and tons of memories. Here are some me&t highlights..

* as far as fashion goes..there were lots of gingham shirts on Thanksgiving, including a grape, JCrew version on one t. :)

* speaking of JCrew, there were tiny silver boxes from one t as dinner gifts for the ladies {a little wrist bling - love it!)

* the traditional English poppers were popular with the young and old alike ~ both t's wore their paper crowns all night long.

* the Turkey Trot was a bust -- > the littlest runner gave the t's the business. All trotters still enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, and treats at Starbucks afterwards.

* on Black Friday, one t grabbed the last pair of fab, gray suede Sperry's right out from under the nose of the other t {I'll get you my pretty!!)

* funny & true: lots of folks around town thought the t's were twins (!) and the kiddies kept confusing the moms. {even the canary rings may be confusing ;)

* seriously, both t's loved every moment of it.

xo

Post Trot --- or not!!

Photo Friday No. 41

THANKSGIVING ROCKED

the Turkey Trot Did Not!

hangin' with Ella the dog outside Helly Hansen

xoxo
me&t t&me

PIES

We are getting in full Thanksgiving mode here in Pennsylvania.  Kids are excited to see cousins and Mike is gearing up to be a team leader for the turkey trot.  I am in the kitchen baking like a maniac.  Ok, not really but here is how it went down.

So I went to the food store after work to buy all the pie ingredients.  And low and behold right at the entrance staring straight at me were freshly baked beautiful pies!  They were like little kittens wanting a new home.  I felt so bad for them.  So I bought several.  Pumpkin, apple with a crumb topping, apple with a caramel topping.  The bakers at the food store most certainly can whip up a much better pie than I ever could. 

As I was proceeding thru the store, I passed the baking aisle.  It was packed.  I couldn't contain my thoughts --- SUCKERS!!! 

Tracy

P.S. I also bought some cheesecakes --- but not just any old cheesecakes ---- I bought the "party cheesecakes". 

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

I just read somewhere that Thanskgiving isn't about feeding your belly, but feeding your soul. This Thanksgiving, I envision spending quality time with my sister ;) and her family, my parents,and, of course, my crew. Pictures of turkey trots (run anyone?), the Macy's parade, fun-family-games, and holiday movies (elf?) are dancing around in this t's head. Here's the skinny -->

1. just the other day, my shopping cart was HEAVING with good things to eat ~ I could barely push it (hope my trainer isn't reading this ;) Thanks to t for bringing dessert & Tess for some sides.

2. yikes..what to wear? An expandable waistline is a given. Going with a black, shirt dress with an emerald green necklace (did you spy T Swift's earrings the other night??) Tory flats so I run around setting, serving, and clearing.

3. my game plan involves Ed cooking and me assisting in his kitchen - I will chop, plate, clean up, etc. Maybe the kids can set the table. There is something fun in store for our place cards. And, of course, candles, music, and a roaring fire. Can you picture it?

One more day. Remember..feed the soul.

tb

GIFTS

Great gift ideas sister --- I especially love the spirit of being green.  I feel so many people are ordering gifts on-line.  Most certainly convenient but think about the impact of shipping items all over the world.  Yikes! 

That said, most of the items on my list are from cataloges or the internet (I'm a failure at being green).  I do love the quaint, independent owned stores in our area but I simply don't have time to visit them all.  That said, the likes of Target and the internet will have to do on some level.

Here it goes:

1.  iPad cover --- a good cover is like an accessory.  Some of my faves that I came across can be found on-line at JCrew and Tory Burch.  The one hiccucp is most of the covers are for the iPad 2 and I have the first edition.  I came across a great iPad pouch at West Elm.  They also have an iPhone pouch.  Economical, monogrammed and great style.

2.  Kitchen/Bath Items --- a nice monogrammed hand towel that could be paired with a hand soap / hand lotion combo possibly from Williams-Sonoma.  They have such great scents and I normally don't splurge on $10 hand soap.

3.  Tree Ornament --- I still love the photo ornaments from Exposures.  You bought me one years ago and every time I take it out it makes me smile.

4.  Stationery --- a good notecard or notebook is definitely something I don't normally buy for myself.  One of my favorite things to check out on Etsy.  There are so many creative people out there designing fabulous papergoods at reasonable prices.

5. Jewels --- I just made my first purchase from Stella & Dot.  My items arrived in the mail today.  I loved their packaging and was really impressed with the two items I bought (I couldn't attend the actual party so I wasn't sure of the quality).  I think you can buy from them directly on-line.  In general, any jewels are good --- vintage, a bobble from Tiffany's (always a favorite) or some J.Crew bling.

6.  Sunglasses --- (sound familiar sister)  Especially high end sunglasses which definitely feel different than cheap sunglasses.  But who can justify buying expensive sunglasses all the time (not me).  This is a great gift for men and women. 

To summarize, I love when I get a gift knowing I could not justify buying the item for myself.  Or knowing that it fits me to a t.  So while this may be my gift guide, think about what the person you are buying for would truly like.  That is what makes for a great gift!  Happy shopping and don't let your shopping buggies get away from you!

Tracy

Canvas Electronic Cases @ westelm.com

This T's Gift Guide

This holiday season, I am trying to think local and to be green as much as possible when stocking up on gifts. What does this mean? Since I cherish the experience of shopping in a "downtown", I always give the local merchants my business whenever possible, all year long. Additionally, something handmade by an artist has more soul than something with the sticker "made in China." Obviously, there are sweaters and pjs from JCrew somewhere in the mix. Let the shopping begin..

* think etsy: truly anything from etsy is a cherished gift. I have my eye on jewelry, mini calendars, stationery, and artwork -- sometimes the items even arrived wrapped. Another bonus.

* think local: in my downtown, I adore The Farmhouse, which is a big stop during the holiday season. I already scooped up beautiful soy candles, lemon soaps, snowman gourds, books, and more! It is an emporium of the thoughtful, handmade, and inspirational.

* think about your piles of artwork: take a stack of your children's artwork to your local frame shop or purchase frames and do it yourself. What a special gift for a husband, grandparents or even the child himself.

* think flea/vintage/antique: covet a one-of-a-kind gift for anyone on your list. I'm thinking jewelry, cocktail glasses, paperweights or inkwells, books and tiny paintings. It will be hard not buying something for myself. ;)

* think 20x200: for just $20 you can buy a "real" piece of artwork -- West Elm has great frames. Viola! A grand gift. Be warned..it will be hard to choose from the hundreds of spectacular picks.

* think books: I adore books and I adore giving books to others. This season for children, Brian Selznick's Wonderstruck is his much anticipated book following Hugo Cabret. {the movie Hugo opens over the holidays & is directed by Martin Scorcesse!) Of course, I go crazy over design books. Black and White (and a bit in between) by Celerie Kemble is on my list. And, thanks to my dear friend SW for this gem --> The Millennium Trilogy Deluxe Boxed Set by Stieg Larsson. Each book is done in beautiful cloth with graphic details. I want them because I know they will look smart on my bookcase and I need to read all of his books again before the movie opens in December.

Good luck.

Tricia

Journal from Madeline Moss

Photo Friday No. 40

Yup ~ Broken Arm in

New Jersey

On Saturday ~ 147th meeting of Lehigh Lafayette in

Pennsylvania

UNIFORM

I do indeed have a uniform.  I bet most people do without even knowing it.  My work uniform goes something like this. 

Summer usually includes a skirt, a short sleeve blouse which is always layered underneath with a tank top (bottom of the tank usually peaking out).  Flat comfortable shoes is always a must.  Outfit is finished off with some sort of jewels --- almost always includes something vintage --- either a necklace or a bracelet.

Winter usually includes pants and my favorite pants have a wider, flowing leg.  The tops switch to light knit sweaters (either a crewneck or a turtleneck) again layered underneath with a tank top (you guessed it, the bottom of the tank usually peaking out).  Still wearing the flat comfortable shoes and finishing the outfit off with a touch of vintage jewels.

Casual outfit is pretty basic.  Like you, jeans or sometimes a newer pair of army green pants from JCrew.  I tend to stick with a basic top with of course a tank top layered underneath with the bottom of the tank peaking out.  Shoes tend to be my sanuks, flat loafers or flip flops.  Jewelry might include a meaningful necklace and some stacked bracelets made up of a set of three: leather, bangle and cloth. 

Can you picture it sister?

Tracy

sample bracelet combination

My Uniform

I call it my "mom uniform" ~ basically, it is my daily outfit, seven days a week, as a stay-at-home mom. No suits, hosiery, high heels or briefcase for me. Although, sometimes I imagine what THAT wardrobe would look like. The grass is always greener.. Honestly, I wear the SAME thing, pretty much every day, with just a few variations.

This is how it breaks down -->

I start with jeans as my base. All styles and brands - skinny legs and wide cuff, wide bottoms dragging, dark and stiff, washed and broken in. You get the picture. Occasionally, the jeans can be substituted for army green pants or even a skirt. {But, this rarely happens!}

Moving up, I add a cotton tank top in either white, gray or navy to create a foundation for layering. Sometimes, if it is long, it may peek out under my top. I have a stack of these and usually they are from JCrew.

Next, the top ~ can be a shirt, sweater, tshirt or combination. Usually, gray, navy or black with a color thrown in once and awhile. Sometimes, I layer a blazer, sweater coat or poncho depending on the weather.

Last -- always save the best for last -- the fun stuff! I find a shoe, necklace, bracelet, scarf to give my "mom uniform" the dash of style it needs. That's it and I'm out the door! {Usually looking like a librarian}

Do you have a uniform sister?

Tricia

BUGGA

Embarrassed to admit that it happened - lice!  Where to begin.  The nurse in the kindergarten building found it by chance and thankfully early.  It has been "us versus the bugs" for over 2 weeks now.  I thought we were making progress until I found three lice in Matthew's hair.  Double yikes.

Kate has your hair sister ~ it is a sea of hair.  Matthew has very fine hair.  The approach has been very different.

I thought I had this under control but I was finding one or two nits in Kate's hair a day.  Not making sense.  Then on Saturday, poking around in natural sunlight there is was - a bug!  We ran upstairs, applied the bad for you chemical shampoo, combed and rinsed until I found what I think was a smooshed bug floating in the water.

Success?  Fingers crossed.

Tracy

Lice remediation kit

Something Old, Something New

Ok..this may sound strange and not make any sense, but -- > I feel a constant tug between old and new things. For instance, I adore the bones of an old, old house, but am attracted to the sleek lines of a modern one. I love a beat up, chipped, rickety table as much as a smooth, lucite one. Taking it a step further, I love a one-of-a-kind vintage blouse while loving a brand new Tory Burch blouse. How could this be? Why is this?

This is what I think ~ I strike a balance by combining the two, old and new. For me, there is comfort in the opposites exisitng side-by-side in my home and in my closet. What about you sister? I think I may know the answer. ;)

tb

Mom vs. Mother Nature

With the first snap of fall weather finally arriving, I dug out the gear..hats, mittens, scarves, and so on. Winter won't be too far behind, especially with a snowstorm already in October(!) Recently, I read something about there not being "bad weather", just "bad clothing" for whatever the weather is. This got me to thinking about it.

Remember when I lived in New York City? Out the door each morning and I had to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature had in store. It was a hike to the subway station from my apartment. In the winter, I vividly recall wearing long johns underneath my clothing en route to work. Once, I got there, I went into the restroom to peel that layer off, only to replace it at the end of the day. Crazy? Nope. Just cold.

In the suburbs, I find I tend to fall into the "bad clothing" category on rainy and snowy days. Even though my children walk to and from their school, we still migrate in and out of the car mostly. Starting today, my new motto is going to be "be prepared" ~ I am going to keep my city mentality in mind, even though I am going about my business in the 'burbs. Watch out Mother Nature, here I come!

Tricia

PS I am not sure I can get Henry on board with this -- he still thinks he can wear shorts when it is thirty degrees outside. (no joke)

Ponder This One

As a lover & collector of quotes, I came across this one on Cup of Jo and keep thinking about it. {are you reading Cup of Jo? I hope so.} Let me know what you think about this.

"I must learn to love the fool in me -- the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." ~ Theodore Rubin, MD

Tricia

Bit & Pieces

You know what I love? Framing bits and pieces of sentimental things I have tucked around the house. When I met Ed, I actually saved the scrap of paper on which he scribbled his name and phone number. {he called me btw} I had it mounted and framed. It is hanging in our bedroom. Another example, I have my baby bracelet from when I was born. Back then, the hospital created a bracelet that spelled out my name in pink and white beads. This got framed too. You get the idea.

Fast forward to four kids with constant notes of sentiment cramming folders, boxes, and bulletin boards around my house. Recently, West Elm had a sale on frames and I ordered a few. Once they arrived, I dug through bits and pieces from my kids and framed them. Easy. I hung them together in a little arrangement. Easy too. I must admit, I love them. Until West Elm has another sale, I will continue collecting the bits and pieces of my life.

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 39

Mudroom in

New Jersey

As seen in the Wisteria catalogue in

Pennsylvania

SURVEY

While in first grade, Matthew did really well on his weekly spelling tests.  Even with the "challenge" words, he received a 100% on every test except for maybe 3 all year.  This year in second grade, he is doing well.  But I feel he is slipping.  First, one word wrong.  Then, two words wrong.  What gives?

I pondered this thought --- high school students who are top ranked in their class, did they ever get a B+ on a test in second grade?  What could these slipping grades possibly mean?  I expressed concern to my husband.  Then had a brilliant idea.  He is a high school teacher.  He happens to have the top ranked students in his class.  Time for a survey.

True story.  Today he surveyed his class.  He explained the situation and asked for honesty.  First, the junior boy ranked #1 in his class --- he did not score perfect grades in second grade.  (Relief)  Then he asked the senior boy and girl ranked #2 and #3 in their class.  Both snickered and rolled their eyes --- they never received a grade below an A.  Yikes!

Tracy

In kindergarten, does "Stupendous" mean A+? 

How about 100%

The Heroine with a Dragon Tattoo

December 21st. Mark your calendar. The much anticipated movie, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo hits theaters. Maybe I will go the first night. (join me?) I can barely wait.

The books: The trilogy by Stieg Larsson is a roller coaster of a story - one book runs like a train of suspense into the next. After finishing the first, I immediately ran to the bookstore to buy the next. No joke. Each book is intelligent, brilliant, and suspenseful. The only downside - I want more! (And, sadly, the author died recently.) You still have time to read the books..hurry.

The movie: The buzz is everywhere. Most talked about is the metamorphosis Rooney Mara underwent to become the heroine, Lisbeth Salander. And to be honest, she is exactly what I pictured in my mind as I was reading. Read about Ms. Mara and her role in the November issue of Vogue. {you can borrow my copy if you'd like ;)

Tricia

PS: a little trivia..when he was just fifteen, Stieg Larsson witnessed the rape of a young girl. He never forgave himself for not helping her. The name of the girl was Lisbeth.