DECISIONS

Not sure if I've put this out there before but it seems to be creeping up alot lately.  I am indecisive.  Fear of making a bad decision.  Recent examples:

1.  iPhone case --- I am on my 3rd case already (phone is only 3 months old).  The first two just weren't right.  Cost implication = $80

2.  Ski outfits --- just can't find the perfect match.  Have accumulated multiple pairs of pants and I love them all (although not equally).  Coats are a different story.  Two newer coats are being sold at the used ski/apparel sale in the fall.  I keep returning to an old, classic coat.  Cost implication = cannot calculate out of fear

3.  Mac Book Case (this is a new purchase for newly purchased computer :)) -- When faced with the decision of which case to buy, I was totally overcome with the fear of making the bad decision.  Cases run $50 +.  I asked the guy helping me which one he would buy (how pathetic).   I made a decision on my own and it was a good one :)))))

So here's the deal, I am motivated to redo the boys bedroom (they share a room). I need to update the paint color and freshen up decorations, bedding, etc.  I've been checking out design ideas on-line and I keep coming back to a darker grey accent wall and then all other walls white.  I know they say don't do an accent wall and just put color on all walls.  But I just love white and I know the boys won't have it. 

What do you think sister?  My fear of making a bad decision is kicking in even though it is only paint!  Help!

Tracy

After I wrote this post, I came upon an iPhone case that I had to have!  

But I had a $25 gift card so essentially it was free.  

Plus it is not replacing the one I just bought (that I really like).  

I will hold onto this until Spring.  Fun!

Snips & Snails

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY! My little boy is nine..

I always wonder how birthdays are celebrated in other people's homes. This is what happened on Henry's birthday -->

* for starters, the birthday boy was awake at 5:30 AM!!!! Snuggled in bed with me - I could feel the excitement radiating from his little body. Knowing my Henry, I suspected he was on the hunt for his present.

* off to school..his "treat" of choice for his classmates was a Philly pretzel in the shape of 9's (or 6's if you hold them upside down) Extra pretzels to take around the school to favorite teachers.

* me: cookie cake at Shop Rite (he has always requested this!), daffodils for the table, balloons, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and "Happy Birthday Henry!!" in giant chalk letters across driveway.

* the birthday boy chooses his favorite dinner -- PIZZA!! (I love you Henry)

* finally ~ a balloon release with everyone releasing a balloon up to heaven with a wish for Henry

Enjoy the extra day of February. I will be resting after all of the above festivities. ;)

Tricia

ACTION

Oscars = Yawn


Therefore, here is my post with some action photos from Colorado.  Enjoy!

Jack

Matthew

Kate

(notice the Tebow's)

(a favorite in the town of Breckenridge)

Stay tuned again ... might try to post the first ever video on me&t!  Very exciting.

Tracy

Oscar: the Party?

For some, like me, the Oscars are like the Super Bowl..fashion and movies are the focus instead of football. (thank goodness ;) I will admit two things. #1 I haven't seen many of the nominated movies, but have read most of the books #2 I tune in more for the fashion than for the winners.

Here in New Jersey, our Oscar evening will go like this -- >

* early round of snacks and drinks: pigs-in-a-blanket, Skinny Taco Dip with tortilla chips, and root beer (wine for the adults)

* dinner: crabcakes (Ed's famous :), purple potatoes and asparagus

* gather around the tv at 7 PM and start watching the red carpet, put the kids to bed at 7:30 PM, watch the Oscars (yawn!), in bed by 10 PM and read about the winners in the morning.

What are you doing for the Oscars sister??

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 54

Getting Framed in

New Jersey

(photo by Wm.)

A Favorite Retail Store (think JCrew) in

Pennsylvania

VIEWS

I'm back sister.  So no, you cannot oust me as your co-blogger.  Then you would have to change our picture, the owl, etc.  Just too much work.

Truth be told, I was on vacation!!!!  When you work full-time, you do the vacation dance and song as you leave your office.  As you head home, you get a little grumpy.  I suppose this is true for everyone.

We rocked the Rockies this past week and here are some scenic views from our trip.  Enjoy!

The Rockies

Buffalo

The Ritz-Carlton outdoor pool at Beaver Creek

A Blue Bird Sky

Bronze Elk (or snowboard holder)

Rolling Rockies

Kidtopia Snowfort at Keystone

Area 51 Terrain Park at Keystone

Stay tuned for some family action shots!

Tracy

Skinny AND Delicious

Super Bowl Sunday seems an unlikely place to discover a blog about cooking light. To be honest, it actually happened and now, I am obsessed. (thank you very much Kelly) Skinnytaste was created in 2008 by Gina Homolka. In her own words she is an "author, recipe developer and photographer of Skinnytaste, which features low fat, family-friendly, healthy recipes." What else can I say? (except yum)


This is what I have tasted so far --> skinny buffalo chicken dip * skinny chicken enchiladas * baked potato soup * penne alla vodka * pollo in potacchio


Bon appetit!


Tricia


ps there has been an offer to make the blog a mother/daughter collaboration ~ someone suggested g&t t&g. Maybe this someone heard a t grumbling about the other t not writing anymore. Just a rumor..

Love is in the Air and...

Some say love is in the air in February ~ I say "typography" is in the air.

Let's check in with Wikipedia: art and technique of arranging type in order to make language visible. The arrangement of type involves the selection of typefaces, point size, line length and leading (line spacing.) And, until the digital age, typography was a specialized occupation.

Lately, I am drawn to typography as art..it seems to be everywhere I turn. There are amazing pieces on etsy, 20x200 and Felt and Wire to name a few. Best, an original is quite affordable. I purchased the print below from rawartletterpress on etsy for just $30.00. (it is for my pink girl Emma ;) Be sure to buy an original and not a print copy of a print -- seeing and feeling the ink on the paper makes it more special.

I wonder what you would pick to express yourself. ???

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 53

Emma's "Camp" in

New Jersey

Dreaming in
Pennsylvania

Just My Type Part II

Remember, I bought a typewriter?

Well, the kids were over-the-moon when they got home from school and spied it on the table. Everyone wanted to give it a whirl and the keys were clicking, clacking and dinging. My house was filled with the music of letters, words and sentences. Nonstop. In an instant, they fell in love, just as I hoped they would.

Over and over, Grace exclaimed, "I'm obsessed!!" Henry, who adores being plugged in, came downstairs at 6:30 AM and inquired if he could start typing. Emma immediately typed and mailed a letter to her BFF. William simply wants to type his name.

The possibilities are endless. I imagine party invitations, gift tags, and anonymous 'poison pen letters' to enemies. For now, we are happy pecking away for sheer pleasure.

Tricia

PS my purchase was validated when the CBS Sunday Morning Show had an entire segment on the resurgence of typewriters! Of course, the Brooklyn Flea Market has vintage typewriters for sale. I think one has your 'name on it' sister!

happy valentine's day?

Valentine's Day kind of went like this for me..

:(
William didn't like the book I bought him for Valentine's Day ~ threw it across the room.
During the Valentine sing-a-long for the three big kids, my camera AND video recorder BROKE
After organizing about eighty valentine cards for the kids' classmates, I forgot a card for Ed from the kids ~ big OOPS

:)
Grace, Henry and Emma loved their books <3
A friend invited me over for tea after the sing-a-long
I had my toes painted cranberry red and got "the people mover" washed - both heavenly
Bumped into a friend at Starbucks/my grande cup had hearts all over it too!
Heart-shaped ravioli and homemade sauce for dinner..heart-shaped cake for dessert

How was your Valentine's Day?

Tricia

be of love (a little) more
careful than of anything
- e.e. cummings

Just My Type

To be honest, purchasing a typewriter online was impulsive. I saw the avocado green, Royal Empress from the 1960's and bought it before I could change my mind. {I figured if it didn't type well, it could be a cool accessory in my home.} In my heart, I hoped I wasn't just buying a "thing", but experiences and memories for my family. I wanted our new typewriter to inspire and encourage. I wanted all of us to be a part of something that wasn't plugged in, digital or electronic.

The reactions:
Ed said, "You bought what??!!"
The kids, every day, over and over, "When is IT coming???"
Me - constantly checking porch for huge box.

Finally, our typewriter arrived. The box was huge and quite heavy. William and I eagerly opened it to find our new typewriter nestled in a pile of pink packing peanuts. (pink peanuts?? I knew this was a good sign - it was packed up with love :) I hoisted it onto the dining room table and William started playing with the peanuts. Added a stack of fresh paper and we're in business.

To be continued..

Tricia

World HAPPY Day

Today is World HAPPY Day. The creators of the documentary HAPPY hope "thousands of people will join together in communities across the globe to experience the film HAPPY and begin their journeys toward healthier and happier lives."

Did you know: research indicates happy people are..

- healthy and live longer?
- more likely to care for the environment?
- less likely to commit crimes or go to war?

Wow. I didn't know any of that. Go to worldhappyday.com to learn more like I did. Maybe a theater near you is showing the movie HAPPY. {Of course, I will catch it on demand down the road.}

Have a happy HAPPY day!

Tricia :)

Photo Friday No. 52

Getting Ready in

New Jersey

Supporting Girl Scouts in
Pennsylvania

AAPPPSS

I'm not sure if you had the chance to check out the apps I recommended earlier in the week.  As promised, here are some more.

Part II

Lose It!

I've used a program similar to this in the past and had much success. 

This app basically tracks the food and calories you eat throughout a day. 

It can either help you to maintain your weight or to lose weight. 

I learned alot about food in general and it opened my eyes to understanding

calories, seeing how many calories are in certain foods and identifying foods

I clearly need to avoid.

Postagram

I haven't actually used this app yet but I've downloaded it and think it is a fun idea.
This app allows you to create a postcard using your own photo and then they print and mail it ~ how quick and convenient ~ I can't wait to give it a try.  
The cost is 99 cents per postcard.  

Keep your eyes out sister, maybe you will get a Postagram from me.

Don't forget, I am always looking for a good app.  Comment if you have any good apps to share.

Tracy

She's in Vogue

A disclaimer: I am a fan of Taylor Swift. Not just her music, but the entire package. She is confident, gracious and talented. I like how she handles herself as a celebrity and continues to be a good role model for young girls. Growing up in Pennsylvania and summering in Stone Harbor doesn't hurt either.

Check out February's Vogue -- > Miss T. Swift graces the cover. I love her bohemian style, freshly scrubbed face and cozy, Rodarte sweater. (I am a fan of them too ;)

Jonathan Van Meter's interview with Taylor Swift is interesting and fun. I won't spoil it for you..read it for yourself. The accompanying photos by Mario Testino were disappointing. (I was hoping the vibe on the cover would be continued inside) My favorite part: Mr. Van Meter told Taylor Swift he was in the marching band in school and she proceeded to give him a high five.

Happy reading.

Tricia

ps bonus article on Rodarte and the Mulleavy sisters in the same issue

pss waiting for the March issue of Harper's Bazaar to hit stands with Gwynnie on that cover

APPS

I love when I find a great app or when someone tells me about one.  As promised sister, here are some apps that I use and that you might enjoy:

Part I

Pad & Quill Notes App

Does what it says --- keeps notes.  Very basic format which is what I like. 

 I created multiple books such as Food Store, Target, House, Food Ideas. 

As described on their website:

With Pad & Quill you can organize your notes in classic notebooks kept

on your wooden shelf. It's intuitive, simple and beautiful.

 

CLOTH

Did you ever put together a great outfit and hope that you don't forget about it?  Alright, you might not have that problem but I do.  This app basically keep a log and documents  outfits.  There are a couple of similar apps but I like Cloth because again it is pretty simple to use.

A couple of options: you can take a picture of yourself wearing the outfit, you can hang or lay out the outfit and take a picture.  Or my latest, take a picture of a great outfit you saw in a magazine (think J.Crew). 

You can categorize the outfits by Everyday, Event, Evening, etc.  So when you need some inspiration, just check out your Cloth.

Stay tuned for Part II.

Tracy

Have a Super Day!

Here in New Jersey, Big Blue is everywhere. Balloons are tied to front porches, people old and young are sporting jerseys, bagels are dyed a vivid blue, and preparations are being planned for festive gatherings. Our governor, Chris Chrisitie, made a case for the Giants being more Jersey than New York. It seems as though everyone is jumping on the bandwagon - even the Jets fans in my house.

I am not a big fan of any team, but I am a fan of tradition. Super Bowl Sunday is an excuse to get together with friends (kids too) and enjoy an evening of food, football, and friendship. An all American memory. Do you have plans? Who are you rooting for?

And, I heard in Indianapolis everyone is telling one another to "Have a Super Day!" Go Giants, Go Big Blue and Have a Super Day..

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 51

Groundhog by Emma in

New Jersey

Groundhog Day in Puxatawny,

Pennsylvania

RANDOM

Do you know your "This & That" posts that you put out there once in awhile sister.  Here is my version of random thoughts:

1.  Eli Manning or Tom Brady?  Without a doubt, Eli.

2. Why are Brad and Angelina doing so many interviews these days?  Did they finally figure out that people don't like them because they're snobs? (remember that word?)

3.  Enjoying a cup of green tea these last couple of nights.

4.  Bought oxygen in a can tonight !@*?

5.  Mike was in charge of Matthew's spelling test last week ~ yikes!

6.  Kind of falling off the spending wagon but trying to keep the focus.

7.  The American Idol stories make me teary eyed!

Random indeed.

Tracy

Going, Going, Gone!

Farewell January. February has arrived. A Super Bowl win for the Giants? A thoughtful Valentine gift from my Valentine? (yes, I do want a gift even if I say I don't) A 9th birthday for Henry? And, an entire extra day on the 29th?

Check out our photos from the last day of January -- it was a whopping 66 degrees in New Jersey. My bulbs started to peek through the earth and the kiddies reveled in the fresh air. I even plopped a vase of yellow tulips on the "worm table". Don't put your skis or skates ;)away yet sister, I suspect Old Man Winter is lurking around the corner.

Tricia