Coming Up for Air

Coming Up for Air

It’s common in my life to go for periods where I feel like I’m swimming underwater. Life is going on around me and I’m aware of it and functioning but it’s all kind of a blur and I can’t hear very well or retain anything. (is that old age? Sweet Jesus, I’m 38!)

You’ll be happy to know I’ve come up for air.

All of my tests came back “normal” from my visit to the rheumatologist, which you think would be great but my issues continued. There was literally the equivalent of a “shrug” on the phone when I talked to the physician’s assistant. Super helpful, thanks!

After scrutinizing my meds, I decided (notice the word “I”) to tweek a few things and voila, instant success. So now I feel the usual crappy instead of extra extra crappy with crap on top. SUCCESS! No really, I feel triumphant.

Things are finally settling down with the return to school and we’re getting into the swing of things.

:::insert contented sigh:::

HJ has been talking about Halloween since the beginning of August. Daily. And at length. She changes her costume idea every half hour but I’m sure it’ll be some variation on mermaid/zombie/pop star/alien. She flips right to the adult section of the costume catalog and sighs dramatically, “The adults have all of the GOOD costumes!” And by “good costumes” she means the slutty witch, the slutty nurse, the slutty zombie, the slutty doll or the slutty alien.

She sweetly picked out the costume she wants me to buy and wear because it would be PERFECT for me.

Behold:

I know. It’s uncanny, right? I mean, how could my kid pick out the EXACT outfit that I would like to tromp around in at the end of October in Colorado? Hello perfect. Those shorts look comfy too, like I could bend and squat in them. I would for sure wear those again.

A-hem.

The blue eyed devils have been extra cute lately, and by lately, I mean this morning. Ask me this afternoon at 5:34pm and I’ll tell you I never said they were extra cute.

I digress.

Hadley and I are in the midst of redesigning her room and her sketches and ideas are so super fantastical and creative. I love it. I promised her she could do whatever she wanted. It’s going to be nutty, y’all. Must remember it is not my design aesthetic. It is an extension of her personality and creative self. (I’m telling myself this more than I’m telling you.)

We are now to the part where I tell you cute stuff my people said:

• Hadley (9) calls her shoulder blades her “wings” and I love it so much. She knows they are shoulder blades but I squealed with such delight when she first said it years ago that she just continued saying it. I love to envision my little rare bird as some winged creature.

 

• Finn (7) has his share of good ones too. The way he thinks about things is so interesting, much like my darling PGP. This morning he was talking about a costume and told me he didn’t know what the “money temperature” of the costume was but he would find out.

Enjoy this video of Gala Darling’s wedding. I smiled, sighed, teared up, and felt like my heart would burst all at the same time. Don’t you just love love?

Happy Wednesday, little garden gnomes.

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Dear Target

Dear Target

If you have a daughter who is a tween or older and have shopped for clothes at Target, you may know where I’m going with this. The clothes in the newborn to 5T section have THE cutest stuff. And I’m not just saying that because everything is all teensy weensy and cute as hell. No, they use really great fabrics and cute styling. The girls do anyway. Boys clothes are a whole other post.

Apparently, after you grow out of girls 5T though, your option is to start dressing like a little tart, or wear matching sweat suit ensembles, or ridiculous uncomfortable getups from their new Disney Teen line.  Target, who are your buyers? Fire them.

It’s so frustrating. When I’m there to pick up other things, I’ll cruise through the girls section looking for something to pick up for Hadley and it’s soul crushing. Crappy fabric, no imagination and stupid and/or slutty. One may argue that this is “the style”. I call bullshit. Hello Crewcuts? GAP? Mini Boden? Hanna Andersson? (I swear by their pajamas.)

Occasionally they’ll have a guest designer with a collection that doesn’t suck. Liberty of London and the most recent Calypso come to mind, but for the most part, it’s suck city. Target’s tween/teen department needs an overhaul.

HJ likes to dress funky but I still want quality and somewhat classic styling. Plus, she’s a stickler for something being comfortable.  It’s a difficult balance though because HJ is attracted to a lot of the cheezy crap. I’m pretty sure I’ve perfected my facial expression and tone now when she shows me some horrific shite outfit. An arch of the eyebrow and a subdued “Wow!” I can’t squelch her style or make her dress how I want her too. I accept that. There is a happy medium however.

She loves black. What can I say? She’s my kid. It’s my uniform. I struggled with this for a while, thinking, “she’s too young to be wearing black.” But then I deemed that voice stupid and banished her from the kingdom. A recent jaunt to Nordstrom produced skinny jeans, a black cotton sleeveless dress, and calf high black sequined high tops. Worn all together. She was in heaven. So was I actually. She didn’t look like an asshole. And then, the piece de resistance is that my little rare bird hot glue gunned a tiny plastic top hat to a bobby pin to put in her hair.

Oh sweet girl.

I just read this article on HelloGiggles that prompted me to finally write this post. In the article the writer focuses more on the slutty factor, which I see as well. This picture, from the teen/tween section at Target is completely ridiculous. Hopefully the girl on the left is saying “What the hell are you doing hanging out in your bra?”

So for now, as Heidi Klum would say, I’m sorry Target, you’re out.

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Thursday Loves…

Thursday Loves…

• My massage this morning. This aching bod thanks you magical J!
• Taking myself out to lunch, alone.
• Thinking about this recipe CONSTANTLY. Must make SOON. It had me at “cake batter.”

 

• Thinking about Morning Glory muffins CONSTANTLY too (are you sensing a trend? sweets anyone?)
• Family dance party to Supertramp last night. Then a yoga session with Finn while Peter and Hadley jammed on the piano to REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Stop Loving You”. THEN, Finn fell asleep while I laid with him listening to Peter, Paul and Mommy. Oh, music. The love affair is stronger than ever.
• I supremely dig being a part of my favorite foursome. Tis an honor.
• Wheatgrass shots first thing in the morning
• A stack of delicious new magazines
• Going to the dentist. I would go once a month if I could.
• Colorado weather the past few days. GORGE!
• Reading all about NY Fashion Week and perusing collections. I love clothes but hate shopping. Explain that to me.
• Seeing great friends from out of town + their new babe
• Reading creative vegan blogs and feeling inspired to cook
• B for leaving a slice of vegan chocolate tart on my doorstep today (!) 

Happy early weekend, turtle doves.

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Specks

Specks

I needed new glasses and had heard about Warby Parker for a while. I took the plunge last week and ordered a pair. 95 dollar, people. That’s it. No catch. AND for every pair you order, they donate a pair. Like Toms but for your face.

They just arrived and I have to say, I’m besotted. They’re light, a perfect fit and delightfully nerdy.

This pair is called the Zapp. And, of course, I ordered them in matte black. I’m already thinking of my next pair though and perhaps will stray from the norm…

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not a rookie anymore

not a rookie anymore

 

I’ve mentioned before how much I love Tavi Gevinson from StyleRookie. It astounds me that she is 14 years old and I want to bottle her up, turn her into glitter and douse Hadley with all of her magic. I also want to applaud her parents and tell them to give me all of their child rearing secrets.

                                       +++

She spoke in June at Big Ideas in Toronto. You have to watch it. Could you have done this at 14? Are her speaking skills perfect? No. But it doesn’t matter.  I just beam with pride listening to her, as a woman, as a mother, and as a former awkward, 14 year old girl who wanted/needed to be heard. Her future is so bright.

                                            header from StyleRookie

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Thursday Loves

Thursday Loves

• Finn still calls a grilled cheese a “girl cheese.” I do not correct him because it’s so friggin cute. I suppose I should considering I thought “whipped cream” was “whup cream” until I was like, 15. (Don’t blame me. I spent my life in Texas until I was 11.)
• No obligations today = an easy and relaxing morning.
• I want this in my house somewhere. They’re grass installments. I like the hanging ball. So cool. (via swissmiss)
• My heart swelled like a mama looking at Tavi (the 13 year old fashion blogger) all gussied up in Miu Miu channeling Courtney Love. She looks so pretty and grown up!
• The stellar phlebotomist this morning who took copious amounts of my blood. I’m not even kidding. A good blood draw can make your day. I literally didn’t feel a thing. I was detailing everything to H&F about what was going on. Finn couldn’t watch. He stood in the hallway. (sweet boy!) Hadley, of course, was all up in the guy’s business, asking questions and watching my face. She would have drawn the blood herself if would have let her.
• MUSIC! My car stereo (does that date me?) broke and I have been suffering. I didn’t realize how much until today. It all sort of clicked. No music = unhappy mama.
• United States of Tara and Nurse Jackie did not disappoint. I forgot how much I LOVE United States of Tara. It’s been so long since the first season.  I love the opening sequence. I cannot look away when Toni Collette is onscreen. I just find her so fascinating and beautiful. I also dig the daughter Kate (Brie Larson). She’s hysterical and I love her style. The whole show is fabulous.
• I like this sign from Sundance

• Annie’s fruit snacks are my children’s crack. Specifically the “berry patch” flavor.  I wondered “Could they really be that good?” after going through yet another box. (There are only like 6 packets in the box, which sucks)  The answer is yes. I don’t like fruit snacks. I think they are boring and waxy and a waste of energy to chew. But THESE! Melt in your mouth delicious I tell you.
• I blame the arrival of Spring for the overwhelming urge to shop and update my closet. And by “update” you know I mean “get more jeans, black, grey and white t-shirts”. I want to SHOP. Actually, I want to be styled. I want to go to Saks and sit and have someone style me, appropriately and then leave with a new wardrobe.

At what point do I seek help because I’m STILL mad Jesse James cheated on Sandra Bullock? Anyone?

Another totally random side note: I’ve been finding myself censoring lately, which is dangerous. Hopefully, it’ll pass.

A bientot.

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Spit Spot

Spit Spot

Hadley’s birthday was yesterday. Rare bird is 8. EIGHT. Wha? It just seems so OLD. She’s having her party this weekend at the Aquarium and is FREAKING out. She’s delighted to be reunited with her sting rays. And have her peeps (girls only! Luca, Owen and Finn are allowed) in attendance. And presents. (The presents part is said in a REALLY high pitched squeal by Hadley while clapping her hands).

(Last week we were in a 50s diner with neon pink lights everywhere, hence the pinkness to the photo above)

Here are Thursday Loves I never got around to posting yesterday:

• loving ranunculus lately – the shape and colors I’ve been seeing are so pretty and bright. Aren’t they perfect and sort of Suessian?

 

• Becca said the funniest thing a WHILE ago and every time I think about it, I laugh, STILL. She said “If you’re skinny and you wear clothes from Anthropologie, you look quirky and cool. But if you’re fat? You just look crazy.”
• Still loving Crazy Heart. Still. And I finally saw Precious. Mo’Nique can go ahead and pick up her Oscar early to avoid all of the riff raff and whatnot because she’s going to win it. Incredible. It seems I won’t be able to fit in all of the Oscar movies before Sunday night. Ah well…
• LOVE this site fantastically called Greedy Girl. How cute are these ensembles?

• Mint chocolate chip ice cream.
• The movie The September Issue. I loved it. I love behind the scenes types of films and anything that shows what Anna Wintour is ‘really’ like is welcome. But most of all, I enjoyed getting to see so much of Grace Coddington, VOGUE’s creative director. Her talent is astonishing and she is just a lovely and inspirational being. I loved her spirit. Goddess indeed.

• I have Coco before Chanel from Netflix and I can’t wait to curl up with that flick.
• Nurse Jackie is returning on March 22!
• Shout out to AXM for bringing Spoon, Band of Horses and Broken Bells into my life. Hello lovely music. I’m also liking Passion Pit.
• I have been enjoying unkempt hair and no makeup. I doubt anyone else has been enjoying it (ACK! Look at that hot mess!) but it makes me feel summery and carefree so I’m into it. I’m ready for long dresses and flip flops.
• YOGA YOGA YOGA!
• The book, The Tender Bar, is absolutely heartbreakingly amusing. Do those two words even make sense? The way Moehringer can break your heart in the same sentence that he makes you laugh out loud is true talent. Can’t wait to talk about it at book club.
• Now that Sweet and Bitter is in the witness relocation program, you have to have a password to read her blog but luckily I have one so I can show you the cool shizz she posts like this video. It fascinates me and terrifies me at the same time. That little peanut in the beginning reminds me of my HJ.

 

Happy Weekend. I hope something happens that surprises and delights you.

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Thursday Loves

Thursday Loves

Wishing I was at Fashion Week in NYC. There is SO much beautiful design out there and to be at one of those shows would be BREATHTAKING. ( I was at a fashion show in Seattle (E!A!&R!) and that was small potatoes and I still was blissed out.

It makes me think of my friend KL who is a designer in NYC. She’ll be famous in a minute. Just you wait.

So, instead of being there, I peruse style.com and take in all of the loveliness. I also love to read Style Rookie’s take on fashion. The blogger, Tavi, is 13. THIRTEEN. Can you dig it? I’m astounded at her intelligence and wit. It inspires me to keep encouraging the eccentricities of my rare bird, HJ. Vive la Difference! Plus, she’s the most darling thing. Look at her.

I loved all of the different textures in black at Vera Wang. Badgley Mischka always interests my eye. I loved the chic, luxe coziness of Michael Kors and could see myself in everything, which is rare, except for this:

Well, actually, now that I look at it again. I WOULD wear it, if I had legs like that. I’m transfixed by those gams. Viva legwarmers!

• Freebasing Girl Scout Cookies. Thank goodness these things only come once a year. I find myself saying “I’ll just have one more. Ok, ONE more. Ok, JUST one.” And suddenly I am looking at an empty plastic sleeve where Thin Mints used to lay neatly stacked.
• The fact that my sister said I reminded her of Chelsea Handler.
• I’m re-organizing my bookshelves according to color. Yes I am. Ask me how it’s going tomorrow after I’ve given up and just shoved them all up on the shelves willy nilly. I blame it on me looking at too many decorating blogs. (I really want to be Door Sixteen when I grow up. Love her black and white minimalism vibe.)
• The fact that when I asked Hadley for the 47th time to do her homework this afternoon she said exasperatedly “I’m GOING TO, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!” I didn’t get pissed at her attitude because I thought ‘Hell yeah, girl! Bringing back “for crying out loud.” Good work.
• Being asked to be part of The Healing Chest’s first classes. It’s an amazing yoga program geared towards women dealing with reconstruction following breast cancer. Every time I think about it, I smile. We’ll see what happens. My body and soul need this. I fear it might be too easy but I’d rather it be too easy and feel understood than feel like an alien as I have the past few times I’ve been to a regular class. (awkward whispered exchanges during class with the instructor about why I can’t do certain poses, etc.) Its just irritating. I look forward to being able to practice normally again…whatever that means.

Namaste, MFers.  I wish you a worry free Friday with some sugar on top.

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