Friday, October 24, 2008

Seriously...A month without a post?

This always happens...a whole month goes by without me even logging on to type hello to my three faithful readers! In case you're wondering where I've been:
1. My mom had shoulder surgery and I was helping her out (terrible excuse)
2. Rosh Hashanah
3. Yom Kippur
4. Sukkot - well...school was closed so there goes another day!
5. Traveling...so on with the post!

The first weekend of October brought us to New York for a long anticipated wedding. My college roommate, sorority big sister and fabulous friend Lisa finally married her long-time love Cem. Poor Cem has been across the US at all of our weddings (he's been to Omaha, Cleveland, Baltimore, and San Francisco) over the past 10 years and it was a joy to finally be able to celebrate their big day. The wedding was excellent! Lisa was a beautiful bride. Of course, since we traveled all they way to New York, we were able to visit with best college friend Chris, cousin Mikey, old friends Jon and Maureen and their new baby, Lucy, and Amanda, Park and the girls. It was so much fun seeing everyone. I am only sorry we didn't get to spend more time!

We spent the bulk of our time in New York sight-seeing and walking. Really - we walked everywhere and it was great. I was amazed at how the West Village has changed. Perry Street is absolutely fabulous! The meatpacking district is really cool as well.

So, I know you're all wondering what trends I observed in the Big Apple. My favorite - jeans tucked into tall boots. I have long resisted this trend. However, it really does look nice (when worn with the right jeans and boots). The key to this look is an equestrian-style boot and a tailored top such as a classic black cashmere turtleneck. I found a great pair of Born tall boots that are both comfy and cute! Of course, everyone is wearing statement necklaces, chunky sweaters and in New York...lots of black!

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Dana Kaufman Project

So, I've been watching the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo these days. And, I have to say, while she is quite entertaining, and she has built a rather impressive empire by dressing celebs, I would be much better suited for the position. First, I've never insulted Anna Wintour. Second, I live in the real world, not on planet Rachel. That chick is wiggedy wack! So, if anyone out there wants to give me their AMEX platinum and send me shopping - just point me to the nearest Neimans, Sak's, Barneys, or Bendel's and I promise, I will not dissapoint! I have impeccible taste (most of the time!).

If you are against anything (aside from the issue I pointed out in my earlier post, Where've I Been?) I hope you will join my campaign against men and jean shorts. Whoever is out there, and has ever seen a man look good in a pair of denim shorts is plain lying! If your husband, fiance, boyfriend, friend with benefits, best guy friend, brother, son, cousin, neighbor - you get the picture - if anyone you know and respect has a pair, please instruct them to get rid of them immediately!!! Men in demin shorts is a definite no no. Totally unflattering, you look like you're trapped in 1989 and it's just not a good idea. So. Get rid of them. Now!

Where've I been?

You might be wondering where I have been for the past month? With so many things to complain about, you would think I'd be blogging non-stop. I can't really explain where I've been. First I was wrapped up with Marti's wedding, which really deserves its own air time because it was truly fabulous. Then I was consumed by the political conventions. Now I am just plain obsessed with how much Sarah Palin scares the ever living crap out of me. I don't like to talk politics on my blog, but are people really considering electing that sack of shit?! Really? You want someone who just got her first passport an hour ago to be one heartbeat away from leading the free world? This is a woman who went to seven undergrad programs before she finally graduated from college and who has absolutely nothing on her resume for like 7 years and then suddenly becomes mayor of her small town. And boom. She thinks she can help solve the largest financial crisis our country has seen since the great depression?! GET REAL PEOPLE. WAKE THE EFF UP!!!

OK, that's enough. I feel much better now. Except that I have to start a fresh post now that I tainted this one with political talk. Sorry!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Back in Business

We're back in business around here...the business of being back in school and on a routine. My ever stylish brood started school this week and they are doing great! Just a few photos to tide everyone over until there's more time to write.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

How Does One Lose a Whole Month?!

Seriously?! How do you lose an entire month?! I just realized I haven't posted anything in a month. Terrible. Terrible! So, here's what I've been up to.
1. I've been settling into my regular works schedule which takes me to the office from 8-5 two days a week and keeps me working from home the rest of the time. It's been great!
2. We've been enjoying the pool. Sadly, the pool days might be winding down. But we've had a great time and while it took about 6 weeks my Benjamin did finally learn to love the pool!
3. We spent a week on Cape Cod. Not nearly enough time, but we did have a great trip! Next year we're hoping to go for longer, but we'll see....
4. I've been to many bridal showers for one of my oldest and dearest friends who is getting married at the end of the month. We've only been waiting for this one for 12 years!! I've been helping Marti with some minor wedding prep and it's been a blast, so Marti if you read this thanks for letting me participate in the big day (I mean other than being a bridesmaid).
5. This weekend we are visiting another very old and very dear friend (and the mother of my G-d Children) and her equally as fabulous husband in Kansas City. We try to get together regularly and enjoy a nice night out. KC is just a few hours away and we love to get away every once in a while. This trip will be especially fun because we are visiting the Truman Library. My husband is a HUGE history person, and we are both fascinated by Harry Truman. This is one place we will both enjoy!
6. School starts a week from Monday. Abby is in her last year of pre-school and Benjamin is just beginning his adventure in education.
As you can see, I've been a little busy. I guess that answers the question, "how does one lose an entire month...."

Monday, July 7, 2008

Did You Look in the Mirror?!

First - happy 4th of July to all of my loyal readers (all three of you). The fourth is my second favorite holiday, just after Thanksgiving. I love that it's a day to spend with family and friends and I love the traditions my family has for that day. I have been celebrating the 4th the same way since I was a baby and I wouldn't change it! We spent the day at Lake Manawa (thanks Marti and George for carrying out the tradition I love so much) and then went to the annual 4th of July BBQ and Jewish food fest complements of the Gilinsky family. It was a great day for all of us!

So, on my way to work on July 3 I stopped at me neighborhood Starbucks for my daily dose of chai and noticed a woman who was taking the red, white and blue seriously. But, my friends, if you are over the age of, say, 8, it is really inappropriate to dress up for the holiday. There really is no way that this woman looked in the mirror and said to herself, "damn, I look good," or "this is appropriate to wear to work." Just no way! I know you're dying to know what she was wearing: A softball shirt (no joke - white shirt with red sleeves and red piping around the v-neck), a too-tight navy blue skirt that hit her below the knee, nude nylons (I didn't even know they still sold nylons!), and open toe sandals in brown cheap leather. There's someone who woke up in the morning and pulled out their "4th of July outfit." I bet she has a hideous christmas sweater, too.

Ladies, I urge you.....if you own special holiday gear, put it in the garbage. Tonight. Please. Get rid of it!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Vegas and Shopping!

It's been a while since my last post. For whatever reason, we are completely busy. Our schedule is packed from sun up to sun down. Oh, the joys of summer!

A few weeks ago I went to Vegas for a weekend of shopping, sunning and eating with two girlfriends. We were celebrating Marti's upcoming wedding and it was the perfect girl's getaway. We stayed at the Bellagio and spent lots of quality time at the pool. When we had taken in all the sun we could manage we were off to Fashion Show Mall, the shops at the new Palazzo, or The Forum Shops. We also did our fair share of eating and drinking. As usual, our dinner at Tao did not disappoint!

Because we visited so many shops I made a huge mental list of what I need for my summer wardrobe. Now, you would think that since it's already almost the end of June I would have my summer wardrobe, but since we didn't have a day over 60 degrees until 2 weeks ago, I am a little behind in my shopping. That, combined with the fact that I barely have a free second to spare would be yet another reason I am still missing some summer "must haves." A few items I decided simply cannot wait:
  • A strapless swim suit so that I can avoid having weird tan lines at Marti's wedding (hwich should be arriving from Nordstrom any day)
  • A new pair of seven "Ginger" jeans (again, on their way from Nordstrom). I wear my Gingers quite often and I think I need at least two pairs in my wardrobe. I love the dark, wide leg and have yet to find another pair I like as much.
  • A black cotton maxi dress
  • A summer-weight gauze-y scarf
  • A black tube top for girls nights out (thank you forever 21)
  • A black tank with sequins (complements of Old Navy)
  • A gray cardigan (cute, with a bow enclosure, because my office is FREEZING - from Gap)
I know it's not a very exciting list, but when your office has no dress code (I wear jeans and flip flops!) and you have small children, a tank top with sequins is considered black-tie.

Oh, and I am thrilled to report that Forever 21 and Sephora have finally opened! I haven't visited either store yet. The reports from my girlfriends are that both stores are very crowded so I am giving them a few weeks. I need the amateur shoppers some time before an expert such as myself goes in! I like to shop early in the day, on a week day, when the crowds are smaller so I have room to browse.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

What NOT To Wear

I tend to have the moments quite often: I am out somewhere in public and see someone wearing something that is so horrible that there is NO WAY that person looked in the mirror before they left the house and said "damn, I look good!" I mean, did you even look in the flipping mirror?! Then, there are the women I see wearing clothes that clearly came from a juniors section. Not that I don't sometimes wear stuff from the juniors section, because sometimes I do. But I mean wearing stuff that is nine sizes too small, or that looks too immature for a woman's figure, is made of cheap material, you get the idea. Ladies, take note. Can't we all look as though we have some pride?
Some things just are NOT appropriate!
1. If you're at work, wearing anything with lettering across the ass is a definite DON'T. Seriously, I don't ever want to see rhinestone words across anyone ass again in my place or work, or elsewhere. Frankly, no one over the age of 21 should be wearing letters across their ass.
2. Really, there is no need to fit every single trend into one outfit. Pick one trend and go with it. I don't need to see animal prints, sparkles and vibrant colors all in the same outfit. It makes me dizzy.
3. If you think your jeans are too tight, you probably should not wear them to the office. No one wants to see every dimple - especially not me!
4. Please, when you are in a public place, let's keep our shoes on our feet! I really do not want to sit next to another woman at the movies who decides it's OK to take off her shoes and then put her feet up on the chair in front of her for the entire duration of the film. Yes, you heard that right people. SHE TOOK OFF HER SHOES IN A THEATER AND PUT HER FEET UP ON THE CHAIR. How gross is that?! Keep your flipping shoes on people!

I don't think these are difficult rules to follow. A monkey could make this work. So, women everywhere, pay attention to what you look like and please act like you care!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Family Photos

We had family photos taken last weekend. I was completely stressed out before the photos because, up until about 3 hours prior, I didn't know what I was going to wear! I had the kids clothes straightened out well in advance. Abby wore white jeans and an adorable blue trapeze tank from The Gap. Benjamin wore khakis and a blue polo (I know - too easy). The afternoon of the "shoot" I found a really cute top at a local boutique. It's gray with some white sequins on it. I paired that with white pants.

The pictures turned out great, and I invite everyone to check them out at www.paigebphotography.com. Click on the blog and you can see some of our photos. If you are looking to have photos taken of your family, I highly recommend Paige!

Wedding Prep!



No silly, not my wedding!! But, I am going to be in a wedding at the end of the summer. I think it's the first time since my own wedding that I am really excited to be in a wedding! Not that I haven't enjoyed being a part of the zillion weddings I have been in, but the last time I was in a wedding was just a few weeks after Benjamin was born. I looked like a whale in my dress, I was exhausted, we had to leave early...the list goes on. The bride in this upcoming wedding is one of my oldest friends and she is letting all of the bridesmaids choose our own chocolate brown dress for the wedding! I am particularly excited about the dress because I love chocolate brown and it's a great color for me. I've settled on this dress by Nicole Miller. I still need to track down shoes for this puppy, but I am confidant I can find something I like. It's an outdoor wedding, so this dress is just the right length.

For the rehearsal dinner I found the most adorable navy and cream silk blouse super wide leg pants, complements of my friend Jenny Schulte and her Bill Blass New York trunk show. I cannot wait to wear this outfit!

We are headed off to Vegas in a few weeks for the bachelorette party and I cannot wait! I am sooo looking forward to laying out by the pool without having to keep my eye on the toddler set!


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Spring is Here



Spring is finally here (I think). We had a few really nice days last week and yesterday was a very nice day. I even got a tan line from sitting out at the park! Even my kids have gotten into the spring spirit! We spent some much needed time outside. Benjamin has mastered the Crazy Coupe and then took some time to admire Abby's sidewalk art. She has completely embraced sidewalk paint and stencils. Hours of entertainment (and mess) for all....

On another note, if you're looking for cute play clothes for boys, Old Navy has some really cute stuff these days. Benjamin seems to have gone through a growth spurt, so we spent a few minutes at Old Navy this morning, stocking up on size 2T. I can't believe my baby is in toddler sizes!!!!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Hot Lips!

The last few weeks have been very busy at our house. Not for any particular reason - we've just had lots going on. Plus, work has taken on a new level of crazy.

Anyone who has a daughter knows that one thing little girls like to do is to watch their mom put on makeup. What you probably didn't know is that a four-year-old girl can't (or won't) make the distinction between a fancy lip gloss and a black magic marker. Here is my sweetpea after a battle with a Crayola. Thank goodness these things are washable!!!

So, I know this isn't fashion related, but it's so darn funny! Next time...I promise something related to clothes or beauty!

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Best $30 I've Ever Spent...

This afternoon I spent the best $30 I've probably ever spent...for my own peace of mind. For the cost of my insurance co-pay I spent 20 minutes with a dermatologist who checked my skin from the top of my scalp to the bottom of my feet (and even between my toes!) to make sure that my skin is free and clear from any suspicious looking moles or melanoma. With the doctor's seal of approval, I am ready for another summer full of fun at the pool (with suncsreen of course!). Now, if the sun would just come out, and if it would just warm up about 40 degrees it would certainly help. I highly recommend that all of my readers (yes, all 3 of you!) get yourselves checked every other year. You can never be too careful!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

There Must be a Silver Lining....


There must be a silver lining to this cloud in which I currently reside! Since I returned from my trip to Chicago both of my children and myself have been sick. After several days of on and off fever and a terrible cough, the doctor finally put Abby on an antibiotic this morning. Hopefully, she is on the mend! I don't know how much more I can take of being forced to stay home. The good news is that I think I am on the "backside" of my cold and hopefully it will be gone by the end of the week.

On to more exciting things....I don't typically shop at Ann Taylor Loft, but I like to look every so often to see what they're showing. I find that Ann Taylor and Loft tend to be a bit more conservative than I usually dress. Ann Taylor is great for suits and work wear, and when I worked in Boston and had to be dressed up every day I shopped there a ton. A disclaimer is that I also worked at Ann Taylor on Newbury Street in Boston, and I loved it. In my new job, we are very casual and I can wear jeans to work so I try to pair them with a funky top. I don't wear many suits or dresses. However, I saw this dress at Loft, and it's so cute and chic! I love the lantern sleeve, and I think this can be worn many ways. In spring/summer with flats or flip flops for casual day or with a funky heel and a big necklace for evening. For fall/winter with tights and boots or even a turtleneck underneath. I can see this dress getting a ton of wear, and the people in my office wondering why I am wearing a dress!!!!

Friday, March 14, 2008

My Weekend of Shopping and Learning


Last Weekend I was invited to attend a womens leadership conference in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to arrive in the windy city a day early to enjoy some shopping before the learning began. I did a nice survey of the large department stores (Macys, Nordstrom, Saks and Neimans) as well as some fun spots like French Connection, Lucy, Sephora (of course) and some basics like Banana Republic. My shopping was cut a little short by the nasty weather (blustery snow) and the fact that I was under the weather. And, my trip was cut short thanks to my sick children. But, I still managed to find some cute spring items. Here are a few of my faves....

I just love this little jacket by twilltwentytwo. It's cozy fleece, but with a flair. It has fun bell sleeves and w portrait collar, which I find to be quite flattering. I think it's the perfect addition to my wardrobe - especially since I am always looking for ways to dress up my jeans for work.

Another item I am eye-ing for spring is this little Marc Jacobs nylon hobo bag. He has the nylon in several styles, but I am partial to the hobo-style. It also comes in a pea-green and a cream color, but I think I will have to stick with basic black. Black is timeless, it goes with everything, and if it gets a spilled on, no one will know but me!

In other exciting news, I recently had a communication breakthrough with my son. He is finally using words to communicate and it's great. Yesterday we had our first real conversation. It went like this:

Benjamin: froo
mom: would you like some fruit
Benjamin: uh-huh
mom: Do you want organes
Benjamin: no
mom: Do you want an apple
Benjamin: no
mom: do you want a banana
Benjamin: uh-huh

I know it probably doesn't sound that exciting, but for someone who listens to a lot of whining, this is HUGE news!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

It's Coming!

We're finally getting a real live actual full-sized Sephora here in the big "O!" I cannot wait! Our brand new Sephora store will open in May at Village Pointe (for my local readers). I am actually saving up for my first visit. I think I might have to get a sitter so that I can peruse the aisles on a quiet weekday morning without bringing Benjamin along in his stroller. He is a pretty patient shopper, but I think an hour in Sephora would make him crazy. In other exciting retail news, Forever 21 will be opening at the Westroads Mall later this spring. And, for those of you who like modern linens, Dwell Studios has introduced a line of bedding and accent pillows for Target. I can't wait to check it out in the stores!

On another note, I am headed to Chicago next weekend for a conference. My wonderful husband has agreed that I can go a day early to do some "research" for my blog. I can't wait to see all the new spring fashions!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Oscar Night

My favorite television night of the year is Oscar night. Before I had kids, I LOVED to watch the pre-show shows and gaggle at the clothes. I could watch about eight hours of pre-show fluff and then the real extravaganza would begin. When I lived on my own I ordered in a special dinner and took my phone off the hook. When I lived with roommates we had a no talking during speeches rule and would rate the clothes.

I didn't think the actual Oscar show was that great (blame the writer's strike) but the red carpet did no disappoint. Renee Zellweger looked beautiful in Carolina Herrerra and Cameron Diaz wore a stunning Dior. Heidi Klum wore a very chic Galliano. One of my favorites was Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta. There were a few red carpet "misses" as well. I didn't think Nicole Kidman looked all that, and her necklace was ridiculous. Tilda Swinton - oy vey what was she thinking?!

You can catch all of the red carpet happenings at www.usmagazine.com!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

This is Getting Old...


OK - Here we are in mid-February and school for tomorrow has been canceled due to the sub-zero temperatures. It's been cold and snowy here since November. I am so over it. I need spring!!!! Especially since the new spring clothes I've seen look super cute! I am crushing on this very cute, inexpensive jacket from The Gap. It's just so cheerful and swingy. How can you not smile when you see that coming down the street. On the other hand, since I primarily wear black, or shades of black, I might not be able to break out of my shell and wear this wonderful bright yellow without giving up some slice of my identity. Don't despair, this cute jacket also comes in a lovely navy blue.

I found some very cute tops by French Connection, which I think will make fine additions to my spring wardrobe. I am looking for cute tops that work well with my wide-leg jeans and black pants, and the tops I found accomplish that goal. Plus, they can be layered which is extra nice since it might be June before we can wear short sleeves here in the tundra of Omaha! I am desperate to go shopping for something other than toddler birthday gifts and diapers.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Oops! How does one miss an entire month?!

How does someone miss an entire month on her blog?! Apparently I've been very busy!!!

In all fairness, I spent 10 days traveling. After leaving my offspring with their grandparents for a week of spoilage, my husband and I embarked on a cruise in the southern Caribbean for a week of some serious R&R with my parents, brother and his girlfriend. The trip was in honor of my mom's 60th birthday, but the trip was scheduled over my birthday so it was a win-win. Of course, after the trip it took us a whole week to get re-acquainted with home and cold weather, and then another week to catch up at work and poof! There goes an entire month!

So here were are at groundhog's day eve. I am eagerly awaiting spring, but I am not holding my breath! I am tired of blogging about winter fashion. Let's hope we thaw out sometime soon!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Goodbye 2007 - Hello 2008!

Happy New Year to all of my loyal readers!

It's tough to say goodbye to a year that was full of so much laughter, fun and great jeans. But, I am looking forward to 2008. 2008 promises to be a year full of beautiful clothes, new designers, fun stores and sassy trends.

At our house, we celebrated new years with old friends and some new ones. Our first day of 2008 was spent with lots of friends and family. We also began packing for our upcoming vacation to Florida and the Caribbean. I cannot wait for a whole week of sun, surf and sleep!!!