An Update

...

(taken before the power went out Monday.)

Hello there. I hope you all are doing well!  I just wanted to give you a little update on life here in the big apple. Aside from the inconvenience of no power or hot water, Patrick & I are completely fine. After seeing what others have endured, we have absolutely nothing to complain about. The lower part of Manhattan where we are is creepy-dark & quiet except for endless sirens and buzzing generators. It's a sad stretch for the city for sure. My heart goes out to other boroughs, New Jersey and the many other affected areas on the East Coast, too. We are surrounded by devastation and damage; please keep those who have suffered in your thoughts & prayers. 

On the same note, a huge thank-you to everyone who thought of us. I am truly touched by the love. My mom's dear young friend who I've never even met said he prayed Monday night that God would send me a guardian angel, insisting he prayed all night long. Brings tears to my eyes. In a world full of awfulness, there is still good.

It's been an interesting few days to say the least. I'm suddenly very tired...it's like my body is finally acknowledging how stressed I've been. I entered a survivor-can't-sleep-must-be-alert mode. Patrick & I spent many hours wondering, "what do you think that noise was?" and trying to distract ourselves with guessing what animal we were making with our hand in front of the flashlight. We've heard various reports on when we should expect power....Friday, a week, "who knows"...fingers crossed it's not too long. 

By the way, I am writing this from a fabulous co-worker's apartment who has so kindly let me use her hot shower (I was looking a wee scary today, even for Halloween...). We've ordered hot chinese food and are parked in front of ESPN...the big guy is also happy. Lots to be thankful for tonight.

...

A few images to show you... Patrick ventured out on Monday to examine things (he was like a caged dog that wanted to know what was going on outside) and brought home some love from Artichoke Pizza. 

and some aftermath...

We live about 15 steps from this building. 

I later heard that my mom & sister didn't do too well after seeing this on the news :(

so crazy...

and just a glimpse at the flooding...

it's made for an appropriate Halloweek.

p.s. one last photo...

Honestly, our little headlamp has surprisingly been our best purchase :)

And I have to say, I think I know who my guardian angel is. He's about 6'4" and as cute as can be. And he makes me laugh so hard I cry even when there is zero electricity and we're stuck in a tiny room. So the biggest thank-you goes out to him for keeping me safe and sane... thanks for weathering the storm with me, dude.

To the rest of you, please stay safe. Happy Halloween from NYC. I'll be in touch soon. 

xo.

until next time,

g

One More Tip

My mother's tip she saw on The Today Show, to be exact.

I went on a hunt for duct tape (it's pretty weird outside...) and saw a bunch of windows taped like this so I figure it's probably smart. If you don't have access to plywood, tape your windows with a big X or star. If they do shatter, the glass will be less likely to fall everywhere.

Looks like the storm surge flooding has begun even though it's still just sprinkling...

Off to go hunker down. Sending good thoughts & prayers. xoxo.

until next time,

g

Calm Before The Storm

It's the calm before the storm here in NYC. Things are very quiet and empty. After worrying this morning about Patrick getting back from out of town (his broken phone didn't help things), he is thankfully home.

communication via paper towel.

(hashtag Sandy.)

I was so excited to show him all of my preparations and all he did was laugh at me.

(via my new favorite app.)

His current Facebook status reads, "I am pretty sure our apartment could feed and protect the entire West Village thanks to the Little Lady and her Hurricane prep work! The water from the storm surge will be nothing compared to the bottled water we have stocked in the kitchen..."

I might have gone a little overboard... I mean, I did see the inside of Duane Reade four times today. I also began to realize that all of the people working in my neighborhood had no way of knowing transit was shutting down tonight so I made it a point to be a little messenger and go see all of my favorites. So maybe they appreciated my obnoxiousness.

I did a little baking tonight.

(Yes, chocolate chip cookies make the "essentials" list.)

In all seriousness, my family members have endured great hardships from a past hurricane (Katrina) and also this summer's Derecho in West Virginia & Virginia. So I'd rather be safe than sorry. As my mom always says, you never know.

NYC-ers, you can search here to find out your Zone. Only Zone A has been evacuated so far. You can watch the NYC skies here. Also, my friend shared this helpful tip with me: If you have a bathtub, fill it with water before things get really bad. If the toilets aren't flushing, you can take a pan of water and pour it quickly into the toilet bowl and it will flush from the water pressure. Good to know!

Please be extra safe out there these next couple days, you guys...

until next time,

g

It's Friiiday

original

You made it! :) How are you?! Any fun plans for this weekend?

Patrick leaves early tomorrow morning to work out of town all weekend which means I get the apartment to myself. [insert a teethy wide grin] Perhaps I'm just a loser loner or maybe it was the years of living alone, but boy do I love a couple days of me-time. Should be fab. Just as long as he's back before Frankenstorm hits...

In other news, I get to see my momma in T minus 7 days!! Can the jumping-up-and-down commence?

some things for you to click on ~

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cute colorful mittens.

i wasn't sold on the whole sloths-being-cute thing until I saw this.

dear future dream home, please have this & this inside.

hilarious frightened faces from a haunted house.

personalized ribbon.

an inspiring interview with Anna from Rifle Paper Co.

never love anybody who ...

oxblood skinny jeans.

i adore this table cloth.

baby booties.

art for the kitchen.

just when i thought i couldn't love SJP more.

need a Halloween costume for your pet? Target has a great selection.

how cozy does this cape look?

ballerina bun & the hair donut to d.i.y.

i leave you with this.

until next time,

g

It's Going to be Just Wonderful

With just two months to Christmas, we're approaching - well, actually we're already in - the most magical time of the year. But I'm not going to sugarcoat...it's also a good-heavens-there-is-not-enough-time-to-get-everything-done time of the year. Panic sets in as I hesitate to look past this week's spread in my planner; I can only handle a few days at a time with setting goals of what needs to be accomplished.  But then I have a weak moment and I do think ahead...and my mind becomes clouded with irrational thinking and I instantly feel behind. 

But now that Patrick's here and it's not just me & my little crazy self to continue reinforcing that stress-inducing thinking (while I rearrange my entire closet in hopes of decompressing and instead realizing I really gotta do something about my ribbon collection), I am forced to take. a. step. back. Maybe it's Patrick's typical manish attitude that seems to shrug off silly stress with ease. (Why can't I have that trait?) Maybe it's how he makes me belly-laugh at myself. Or maybe it's just when he asks the simple questions of, "What needs to be done?" and "How can I help?" Most times, I can't even formulate a comprehensible list of to-dos to tell him because that involves extra effort and by that point -- when he's detected my stressy mood (while I push the dresser drawers shut just a wee louder than normal and insist,"I'm fine!") -- I'm spent. And if I am able to mentally identify separate tasks that need completing, I realize just how silly they'll sound if I speak them out loud. If I tell him what's circling my brain like how I really need to organize my medical record files and digital pictures, prepare for upcoming birthdays, take shoes to the cobbler, learn how to sew, pack for trips that are weeks away, patent that invention I came up with in the middle of the night, untangle that annoying necklace that is one big metal knot staring up at me in anger every time I open my jewelry box, and start making my Christmas cards, he's going to think I've lost me-mind. But instead...his little questions bring me back to reality. None of that is worthy of worry. "Get a grip, Ginny." I tell myself. That sentiment should really go on a greeting card by the way. Hallmark, take note.

Often, I find our differences amusing -- ya know, the fact that Patrick is 100% boy and I am 100% girl...but in this case, I really need that influence from "the other side." I am extremely thankful his presence encourages a no-worries attitude; it  helps to keep me in check when I get a little carried away. Besides, this season of the year really is magical - and this time around, he's here! And if I'm not careful, I'm going to miss out. Is there a lot going on these next couple months? Yessir. Are the holidays going to be extra busy this year? Mmmhmm. Is there a lot I need to accomplish before year-end? You betcha. But I know he'll make one of his silly jokes that leaves me shaking in a giggle fit and I'll be quickly reminded that despite the level of busyness...despite what all is going on...despite the length of the to-do lists...it's going to be just wonderful.

until next time,

g

What If I Told You...

What if I told you...

...that all of these shoes are from Old Navy?

yes!

shop here.

until next time,

g

Pretty Purses

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

20 Things That Make Me Smile

1. Patrick joining my personal training session last night - priceless!

2.

the Starbucks barista somehow detecting that I needed a boost.

3. discovering this hidden gem of a restaurant in Murray Hill.

4.

sunshine + street fairs.

5. that chocolate peanut butter pie I made Sunday morning...

sigh, I might need to make it again.

6.

the view.

7. my two favorite outfits from the Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade:

here & here.

8.

speaking of our furry friends...

NYC really does have something for everybody.

9. living so much in this shirt that it's been kind of ridiculous

and I had to buy a second one.

(I have the white/neon pink & the heather lake blue/navy ones.)

10.

city lights...

...and long walks home with my fella.

11. staying up late and giggling over Friends bloopers 

& Saturday's SNL Stefon skit.

12.

learning.

13. when this wordless song comes on as I'm stomping through the city.

14.

the color orange.

15. the new best kind of gift card.

16.

artichoke hearts, brussels sprouts, butternut squash,

& sauteed cherry tomatoes.

(aka making a delicious meal out of market sides at Westville.)

17. remarkable ideas like this.

18.

a sweet thank-you note.

19. realizing that the holidays (and these) are right around the corner.

20.

and finally, this reminder.

what makes you smile?

until next time,

g

Super Mario

With a heavy heart, I share the news that my superintendent, Mario, has passed away. He was the most loving little man. If you've been following along from the start, you might know how much he's done for me over these past 3 years. I wouldn't have been able to live by myself had it not been for him; he took care of me in so many ways. His kindness was the only reason I got this apartment in the first place. He helped me move in, he installed my air conditioner, he showed me what tools I needed to have for myself, he picked up my phone calls in the middle of the night when I would whisper, "there's a mouse. whatdoido?", he fixed my closet rod when it came crashing down...and he teased me about my shopping habits, he re-did an entire wall in my kitchen to prevent any critters getting in, he re-caulked my bathtub just because he wanted to, and he'd greet me on the sidewalk every single day with a, "G'morning, Virginia!" and a warm smile. More importantly, he was the reason I felt safe for all that time living alone. He was a God-send in my life... and I am so sad I will never have the chance to say that to him.

I came home to this wreath hanging outside tonight. The amount of people stopping by and saying, "you knew Mario, too? What a guy..." is incredibly moving. A woman who I had never met was taking pictures of the wreath and said she lives a few buildings down. She started crying and said she never knew Mario's name, but always saw him walking his dog and they would chat about their pets. I brought her inside and shared the funeral details with her. We stood there and just looked at each other and she grabbed my hand and said, "Thank you for being so kind. Life is so precious. Don't forget that." And with that, I broke. A stranger's kindness. It was the same feeling I felt the first day I met Mario and he showed me my new home -- a home and a building that has Mario's handiwork and love all in & around it. It's the kind of love that might feel small compared to other relationships and facets in life, but it's also the kind of love that has a great and lasting impact. 

Mario always replied to me with, "Alright sweetheart." I hope he knows it was he who had the biggest, sweetest heart of all. 

We will miss you very much, Super Mario. Thank you.

until next time,

g

TGIF: Link-time!

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via

Hello, muffin. I hope you've had a marvelous week! It was a good one up here :) A big thank you to those who congratulated Little Lady on her little 500-post-milestone. Your kind wishes and comments really do make my day.

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? This yucky weather makes me want to do nothing else besides curl up with a blanket and a glass of wine. So, tonight, I might do just that. I also have to tend to some calligraphy homework and art projects and I have a very important phone-date I'm looking forward to! Patrick & I are seeing this movie and will be venturing out for a friend's birthday celebration :) Oh! And we've also been invited over to a friend's apartment for a chili dinner (yum!) Sunday night -- I'm supposed to bring dessert...what shall I make? 

:: some stuff for you to click on ::

a cute chambray blouse for under $30.

i'm having an affair.

i loved this post about situational happiness.

a baby football.

send these to an old roomie.

a fall running playlist.

this made me giggle.

hold up, Uma Thurman named her baby whaaaat?

i want to learn how to cook this.

a great gift for the man in your life.

dress up your iPhone.

elephant rescue. (how sweet is the ending?)

simple leather ballerina flats.

Style Me Pretty is hiring!

funny little twins.

oh, and i hope you're like this at the end of today.

until next time,

g

Dreaming

...

dreaming up a logo...

I've been dreaming more than normal lately. The kind of dreaming that happens during my subway commute when I am overcome by my thoughts and I stare into space...thinking, imagining, envisioning goals happening...dreaming. And I miss my stop. The kind of dreaming that happens when I look outside my office window...into the windows of the skyscraper across the street. The kind of dreaming that happens when I accidentally wash my hair twice in the shower without even realizing it.  The kind of dreaming that happens any time I read or see something inspirational or something I know I could do...perhaps better. It's the kind of dreaming that happens any time my mind wonders. And it wonders quite a bit. 

I reboot by being alone, which doesn't happen often these days. Maybe that's why I'm escaping more to my thoughts, no matter the situation? There sure is a lot of good stuff in those thoughts that I'm trying to translate into actions and reality. Wish me luck.

Do you dream? 

What are your dreams made of?  

What steps are you going to take to make them come true?

:: wisdom ::

"It may be that those who do most, dream most." - Stephen Butler Leacock

"When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life." - Greg Anderson

"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil." - James Allen

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." - Pamela Vaull Starr

"What's the purpose of living if you don't go after your dreams?" - Samson Reiny

"Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born." - Dr. Dale E. Turner

"For those who dare to dream, there is a whole world to win." - Dhirubhai Ambani

"No dreamer is ever too small; no dream is ever too big." - Anonymous

"Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living." - Anonymous

"Go for it now. The future is promised to no one." - Wayne W. Dyer

"A journey of a thousand miles must being with a single step." - Lao Tzu

"At first, dreams seem impossible, then improbably, and eventually inevitable." - Christopher Reeve

"This one step: choosing a goal and sticking to it, changes everything." - Scott Reed

"Life is short, live bold! Be heard, be you, dream big, take risks, don't wait." - Misty Gibbs

"It's better to have an impossible dream than no dream at all." - Anonymous

"All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose." - Brian Tracy

"The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want." - Ben Stein

"Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable." - Wendy Wasserstein

"Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream." - Peter McWilliams

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements." - Napoleon Hill

"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney

"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts." - Anonymous

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." - Anonymous

"If you don't have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?" - Jiminy Cricket

until next time,

g

Little Bit of Lately

...

I don't know about you, 

but I find the ol' no-white-after-Labor-Day rule a bunch of rubbish.

I especially love rocking my white pants with sweaters!

Hey, who's that stud outside my office?

That would be the very sweet Patrick...

...picking me up to take me to eye doctor appointment.

Which, by the way, was just ridiculous.

It began with an intern saying he needed

 to pluck one of my eyelashes that was damaged.

"um, WHAT?"

I'm sorry, but I don't care who you are...

...if you come near my eyeball with

giant sharp tweezers, I will throw a fit.

Meanwhile, that supportive stud-of-a-man from earlier 

was across the room choking on his laughter.

After that, the intern attempted to get the special eyedrops into my

fluttering-blinking-spazzing-out eyes as I gripped the armrests...

...trying to somehow close my eyes to prevent 

from watching the scary liquid fall into them 

while simultaneously keeping them open. 

(It's a difficult task, I tell ya.)

Then it was a lot of bright lights.

"'Scuse me, is there a lower setting? This is really bright to look at."

"M'am, this is as dim as it goes."

Well okay, then.

"Oh and M'am, we're going to need re-do the photos we took. You blinked."

(-.-)

#iamadisaster

Oh, and here is my dilated pupil.

freaky-deaky.

This cooler weather has me lighting every candle 

& cuddling up under squishy toasty blankets.

There's something about fall that's oh so cozy.

And this is my girlfriend choking on the scarf I gave her on national TV.

Gotta appreciate the rewind & pause features these days.

:)

love ya, Mags.

"I thought you were just getting one pumpkin?"

"Welllll...."

i'm loving this nail color! ("Storm Bird" by NARS)

And in very exciting news, I started an online modern copperplate calligraphy course!

Students move at their own pace over the course of 30 days - following videos and exercises - and uploading work for the teacher to critique.

my teacher's comment on exercise 1:

You're doing remarkably well with the thicks versus thins and your commadots are practically flawless. I'm seeing remarkable control with the ink, no skipping or wobbling. Have you had calligraphy practice before? If this course seems a bit too beginner for you, let me know. We can work on more advanced assignments here in the gallery. Great work!!

...which, not gonna lie, made me smile SO big!

Ya know, until I realized I have no idea what the heck a commadot is. 

Yessir, I really do need professional instruction.

I've looked ahead and we'll be working on rhythm, spacing, and angling from which I can definitely benefit...and then we'll also be practicing some fun techniques, 

like swirly twirlies! By the way, "swirly twirlies" is not the technical name 

so I get to learn what that is, too. :)


have a great Wednesday, guys!

until next time,

g

500th Post: Likes and Dislikes of Blogging

:: Welcome to my 500th post! ::

Today also marks three years since I started this silly little blog of mine.

{original header}

If it's okay with you, I'd like to just get real here for a minute and discuss a few things that I like and don't like about blogging.

We'll start with what I don't like. 

I don't like when people assume they know everything that is going on in a blogger's life simply by reading his or her blog. There are plenty of things I choose not to share on here and I'd bet the same for others. And they're probably the things and feelings and happenings that you should know about if you're a friend. I think we all need to remember that reading blogs and updates on other forms of social media are not a replacement for asking and knowing how someone is doing. It's easy to just read a status, a post, a tweet and pretend that we are somehow still connected to that person even though we have made no sort of effort in interaction. For someone you hardly know or don't even know at all, that's perfectly fine. And you probably do feel closer as a result. But let us make it a point to not be so lazy in our closer relationships. We are all at fault, including myself. Pick up your phone and call someone. Send them a letter or an email and start with, "how are you?" Be the one to schedule a date or a visit. It's hard enough to make new real friends. Don't let the ones you already have slip away because you made no effort in maintaining the relationship. While my blog can allow my family and friends to see glimpses of my life, I deeply cherish all the separate talks and letters and emails and visits that allow for important and less surface-level conversations. Besides, my blog is mainly me yakking about my cooking ineptitude, latest doodles, and my current shoe obsession. Please don't let that be a reflection of the extent of my story or what I view as important in my or my loved ones' lives. 

I don't like when people read blogs and think that the lives of the bloggers are "perfect." It's an easy misconception when many times, you're only seeing small portions of a bigger picture. Don't envy what looks like a happier situation...'cause it's not. Even the most perfectly-styled-fashionista blogger has her disheveled days in sweatpants. Even the most in-love-happy-go-lucky couple argues and fights. Even the person with, what seems to be, the perfect job has days where he or she absolutely hates it. Don't ever interpret someone's entire life based on their blog, assuming they don't have their own struggles. We're all battling something.  For the record, my life is far from perfect. And I am far from perfect. I have insecurities. I have days when I wake up and want nothing to do with anyone. I am stubborn. I make mistakes. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least a little tired. Right now? I feel exhausted. I'm still trying to figure life out. The one thing I think I've figured out? Is that I know I will never have it all figured out. 

Maintenance. I don't have time to squeeze in a hair appointment let alone time to sit here and make all the adjustments I envision for this blog and my main website. But I know I need to tweak some a lot of things with the layout and links and go back and clean things up. One day! :) Blog maintenance is --simply put -- difficult. I just had to buy more Google storage and I'm in the process of figuring out this iCloud business at home to back up all of my work. It's exhausting trying to keep up in a way that allows for an easy system that has room to grow. I can't even imagine the behind-the-scenes work professional bloggers must do. Keeping up with blogs and social media can be tiring, for sure. Do you ever wonder when we'll all just throw our hands in the air and stop already? But seriously, how long do we have to tweet? 

Pinterest. I love it, but I hate it. Nowadays with Pinterest, it can be way too easy to just regurgitate others' ideas. Some people host entire blogs that never include anything original. Yes, blogging is a conversation of re-sharing ideas -- and I find Pinterest and other blogs extremely inspiring and enjoy including my favorite finds here -- but bloggers (myself incuded) must sit back and show more individuality with adding more of our own photographs, designs, images, discussions, and ideas. We can't let Pinterest and other sites impede our creativity.

And what do I like - better yet, love, about blogging?

I love giving myself assignments. It's like homework with zero repercussions. You're just putting something out into the world to be read and if people don't like it, oh well. As a kid, I used to play teacher and pupil simultaneously (what happens when you have no siblings your age and the farm pets don't speak English). What kid makes herself worksheets to fill out? And then grades them? And purposefully makes mistakes for the "teacher" to have something to correct? For fun?! Yep! That'd be me. There's something very exciting about thinking, "let's find some great gift ideas to suggest!" and following through with that idea. In a weird way, it has pushed me in other areas of my life. If I truly decide I'm going to do something, no matter how big or small, I surprise myself and actually do it. 

Meeting new people. I am aware of the fact that the majority of my readers are either friends, my mom, people I'm connected to on Facebook & Twitter, my mom, and people that stumble upon my blog from Googling things like "crying little girl" and "funny orange kitten pictures" (two actual traffic sources from yesterday). But there is a group of you out there, that for whatever reason, have stuck around despite not knowing me any other way. Honestly, some of the most rewarding moments from this blog have been emails I have received from readers...people that are seeking advice on moving to this big scary city and whether it's physically possible to find an apartment (and I sit down and spend hours on an obnoxiously long response because I know how much I could have benefitted from that help when I moved here)...or people that present other blogging opportunities and inquire about hiring me for  custom illustrations, etc. It's extremely rewarding to feel like I've pushed "little lady" past the eyes of my mom ;) and I can try to help / give / motivate / inspire others.

Keeping track. As Patrick can attest, I have the world's worst longterm memory. On the contrary, he remembers everything. Like what I was wearing and how I was standing when I met him in 2005. He's told me before, but not surprisingly, I can't remember! Guess that's why I keep him around. ;) In all seriousness, when I look back on my past, so much of it is just one. big. blur. I remember some vivid images/memories and time frames, but most of it is jumbled in no particular order and based on pictures I have seen since. It's pretty sad and pathetic, really. I absolutely love, though, that I can look back on old posts from these past 3 years and read about what I was up to and remember how I was feeling in that particular moment when I wrote it. It brings it all back and helps me keep track. And for that, I am very thankful.

Thank you to anyone out there that reads my little blog. Thank you for keeping in mind that much of what I discuss is just silly nonsense to lighten our days. Thank you for remembering that there is a lot more to the lives of the bloggers you read about. Thank you, if you're another blogger, for joining me in striving for originality within our posts. And thank you, little lady in the big apple, for surprising me these past 3 years...and giving back so much in return.

until next time,

g

Enjoy Your Weekend!

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via

Hello & happy Friday! What's your weekend lookin' like? To be honest, I don't really know what I'll be up to as I haven't gotten past the thought of sleeping in tomorrow. (hallelujah!) I know I have some non-fun things on the to-do list, but I'll probably start with the most exciting one of all: adopt a pumpkin! :) We have no room so it'll probably have to be on the smaller side. Dear itty bitty runt punkin', I'll take you home!

Also, I'm getting my eyes dilated for the first time later today and am dragging Patrick along for support because I'm a nervous nellie, especially when it comes to eyeballs. (>.<) Wish me luck.

some links I want you to click on ::

forget jeans & cords. try velvet.

magnetic wallpaper makes for an interactive surface for kids.

going for a run.

i want to make these to store my twine.

some of my friends are already asking about stocking-stuffer ideas. (why i love them.) how about this & this?

talk about some good dreams.

pretty robes for your bridesmaids.

fellas, there's a David Yurman sample sale in NYC this weekend. your ladyfriends can thank me later.

yep, this is my favorite Halloween movie ever!

i need to check out this new store in Brooklyn.

"nobigdeal, just practicing our dance moves!"

instead of a pony.

want riding boots? can't decide between black or brown? get these.

how very true.

this manicure made me smile!

i'm inspired by this artist's "top knot" series.

ooo! i like this watch.

i leave you with this suggestion.

--- enjoy your weekend! ---

until next time,

g

Getta Pumps

full-proof-classy-patent-heels for only $40! 

.........................................................................

***The platform in the toe makes them comfortable and the heel height is perfect...high enough to not feel dowdy, low enough to walk normally -- trust me, I danced all night in a pair last weekend. ;) If you're between sizes, I suggest going down to the lower size. 

{Find them here! Pssst, more styles here.}

until next time,

g

ZARA's New Home Collection

Not gonna lie, I'm kinda obsessed with ZARA's home collection that is now available online. It has everything from bedding to towels to dinnerware to lounge clothing to candles to trays to rugs to drapes to mirrors and frames! So many chic and different pieces to peruse. Here are a few favorites :: 

Like what you see? Shop here. 

Bonus! There's a ZARA Home for Kids Collection, too!

until next time,

g

Some Nights...

...when it's cold and dreary and you've been wearing stupid tights all day and you're sore and tired and you have a broken toe (my left ring toe or the little piggy that had none of the roast beef or however you're supposed to distinguish) and you have a case of the Mondays, you have to put aside all the important to-dos and instead! ...bake chocolate-chip pumpkin muffins :)

Can you smell them? They smell like love.

p.s. Do you like our new plates? 

I bought two of them on Sunday from here 

when I realized it was kind of necessary that we had adult-sized plates. 

p.p.s. Don't be fooled. I still have zero clue what I'm doing in the kitchen. 

exhibit A:

how many mistakes does it take? 

...don't mind the spaz of a girl sprinting across the street in her pajamas 

to buy the right kind of oil while the oven preheats.  

p.p.p.s. Patrick is finally home after working in Long Island since Saturday which makes me happy. 

'Cept when he announces he doesn't like pumpkin. (-.-)
...
Will someone come over and eat all these?

until next time,

g

To Have & to Hold

...

(a sign that accompanied shawls at the reception.)

I'm back! And boy did we have fun. 

Patrick & I flew upstate midweek for his sister's wedding on Friday. I can honestly say that the entire celebration was absolutely perfect. Everything from the rehearsal dinner to the day-of prep to the genuine & lovely ceremony to the weather (even a hint of rain for good luck!) to the from-the-heart toasts to the belly laughs to the incredible band that made you never want to exit the dance floor to the jolly after-party at the bar where they met to - most of all - the amazing couple that are now husband & wife. 

There are countless other people and moments and things I wish I had captured in photos, but alas, I was distracted. In the best of ways. :) In any case, here are a few snapshots I wanted to share ~

....

Patrick & I started the party early at the JetBlue terminal in JFK.

Patrick & his brothers. 

best buds, those three.

before the rehearsal.

love him.

the bride with her grandmother and younger sister.

and the ribbon bouquet that i constructed this summer that required a lot of fixing, ha!

(tip: use a stapler)

with the adorable maid-of-honor.

(great smile, yes? she got her braces off days before the wedding!)

and with the beautiful bride-to-be!

so sweet. love the bridesmaid gifts! 

and I so wish I had a picture of the wall hangings the groomsmen received.

(the groom painted part of it himself!)

You honestly looked at her, stood in awe with your breath held 

and your face in a half smile/half frown thinking, "Wait 'til he sees her."

I knew those heart-printed straws would come in handy!

Also, we're sending this into Mountain Dew for their next ad. ;)

she's just the cutest.

how amazing is that dress?!!

beautiful mother & daughter.

(photo by Patrick's brother, Sean.)

BIG smiles on the way to see her man!

father & daughter in the limo.

someone shared this pic & the next and they were too sweet not to post.

mother & daughter have the same cute crying face... 

bride & groom after the ceremony.

(photo by Patrick's brother, Sean.)

Mr & Mrs!!!

snapshots from the limo.

my very handsome date. 

amazing view.

dancing (and singing!) to "My Girl" 

Patrick with his little sis, the m.o.h., who gave an outstanding speech.

(my only regret from the entire wedding was that we didn't videotape it!)

out on the balcony.

on the dance floor with one of their fabulous aunts! 

stole this from you, Kate :) (had to have a pic of you!!)

the dates at Table #2.

love her.

with the next little lady to walk down the aisle! (85 days!)

...and the bride & groom right back where they met. 

...

May they have an incredibly blessed & happy life.

And may the joy of their wedding remain in their hearts today and every day.

until next time,

g