Halloween Week Day 2 - Make your home BOOtiful!

Just in case your home isn't already this Halloween'ed out!

I love decorating for Halloween and I love that there are so many options, from store bought and scary to corny and homemade. There's a Halloween decor type and style for everyone!! Here to help you create your very own Halloweeny home are some inspirations, DIYs, tricks and treats from around the web!

I could pretty much just send you over to OhHappyDay for everything Halloween related, but since I gots my own blog to run over here, I thought I'd share some of my personal favorites:

10 HALLOWEEN DIY IDEAS HERE

GHOST ON A STICK HERE

I love these toilet paper roll bats and think they'd make a perfect craft activity for your kiddos before "flying" up to your ceiling and light fixtures!

FULL INSTRUCTIONS HERE

I'm a fan of a classic carved jack o lantern (Dr. H and I really need to get to work on that!) but HERE are some other ideas for decorating your haul from the pumpkin patch!

Babble has 25 ideas for decorating your house this Halloween, many err'ing on the more frightfully elegant, unique and classic haunted house side, so be sure to check out their full list (including the "monster in my toilet bowl" below!) HERE.

And finally, back from last year, the mummy door is still a big personal favorite of mine. I think I just might have to spend some time tonight mummifying apt 4F!

World Cup Roundup

Brazilian Beauty.

With Team USA's big game at noon, I thought today was the perfect time to get into the World Cup spirit. Every 4 years I am amazed by the cultural pride that explodes across the 5 boroughs as our melting pot of a city celebrates each country's attempt to be crowned the king of soccer (working 1 block from "Little Brazil" has led to especially good people watching!) So here for your futbol loving, U-S-A chanting pleasure are some goodies of the World Cup variety. Now let's go for the GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

The World Cup has sports marketers at their best and there have been tons of great commercials airing during the games while longer ads (like Nike's very cool 5 minute animated spot) make their way around the web. HERE is a great roundup of commercials from brands like ADIDAS, Beats by Dre and Nike. But I think my personal favorite is the "obviously knows how to make fun of himself" EA Sports commercial from the guy team USA left behind, Landon Donovan.

I was going to save this kick ass (and easy to make!) Patriotic Trifle Treat link for a 4th of July post, but if Team USA manages to advance after today's game, I think you might be needing this recipe for your viewing party of their next match up. Full tutorial from PS I Made this HERE.

And in case you're still trying to figure out how the USA can advance even if they lose, there's this "oh so simple" infographic courtesy of the NY Post:

* I love THIS playlist from Spotify entitled "The World's Game" or
you can check out the official FIFA 2014 World Cup Playlist HERE *

Whether it's on the sticks of rock candy, lollipops, cake pops or even just cocktail straws, your viewing party probably needs the flags of the countries in the match up you're watching incorporated like this:

And finally, you may need THIS to get out and watch today's game:

Summer is (finally) here (to stay!?)

Hellz yes.

It is with much excitement and, I confess, a bit of trepidation (this winter really beat me down!) that I am going to declare summer as having officially arrived!! HOORAY! We are in the middle of a solid stretch of warm and mostly sunny weather so this weekend I ate my first lobster/corn on the cob dinner of the season, made the summer's first (of many!) trips to my beloved Ice Cream Cottage and caught a few rays of sunshine for the rosy-cheeked summer glow that I adore. Summer, I sure do love you!! Here to help us all usher in the sweetest season are some summer-licious goodies from around the web. Enjoy!

Homemade Cookies and Cream Popsicles - So much easier than you might think and 100% "you made these!?" wow-worthy. Click HERE to pin it or HERE for the original post from Lark and Linen. 

How adorable and summery is this Watermelon tote bag DIY? I love the bright colors and think this would be the perfect way to transport your towel and sunglasses to the beach :) Click HERE to pin it or HERE for the simple how-to from madame citron (note the post is in French but if you open it in google chrome a little "translate to English" button pops up at the top!)

Healthy, tasty, light and easy, aka the perfect summer supper dish! This One Pan Mexican Quinoa is on the menu for Dr. H and I tonight and I can't wait to dig in. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe from Damn Delicious HERE.

Fancy some refreshing mint tea!? This simple recipe from exPress-o is sure to get you smiling and seems perfect for packing up and serving at your next picnic in the park. For the easy peasy instructions, click HERE.

For the Kiddos

Melt my freakin heart...

With friends makin babies at a somewhat more regular pace lately (here they come!) I've been exposed to more and more kiddo paraphernalia, inspiration and apparel of the absolutely adorable variety. So here for all you Mommy, Sister, Auntie or beloved Friend types is the next installment of "For the Kiddos"!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, a beloved (and adorably illustrated) kids book for this tiny generation is part of a series!! I never knew, but I think I will be gifting several Pigeon books in the future, including his newest bath time adventure.

Oh man... so efficient, looks adorable and no more cutting up sandwiches into tiny pieces!! Click HERE to purchase the Fun Bites Squares from Amazon and be sure to browse all the other adorable shapes they sell! (Pin it here)

So apparently "balance bikes" are all the rage these days. I see them all over NYC and one of my favorite chic mamma bloggers over at Lady and Prince is always raving about her kids' Strider Bikes. The goal is apparently to work on balance first (even as young as 2!) then get to the pedaling later. HERE is a great roundup of all the best (at least in Babble's opinion!) balance bikes on the market.

I could see this "go fishing" DIY being perfect for distracting your little one on a long line, an airplane or just on any boring afternoon. Small enough to tuck in your purse and very do-able from a craft standpoint, click HERE for the full instructions from Doodle Craft.

Is there anything more adorable than a plush rocker?! I think not (says the auntie who purchased a pastel cow and airplane for her niece and nephew respectively!) I love these adorable rockers as new baby gifts because they're unique and will last a while (first as decor in the room, then as a ride on toy for 2-3 years). Plus, Wayfair.com has an amazing selection at very reasonable prices HERE.

* A little something for the Mama's:

- I typically read Copy Cat Chic for the amazing save-on-decor advice, but when Reichel, Mom of 2 shared this post about her favorite maternity/breast feeding friendly clothes, I took note.  boob (yup that's really the name) looks chic and flattering and the price point is somewhere perfectly between very reasonable (Old Navy Maternity) and absurd (Hatch Collection)

* And even some great reads for Dad:

- On making the most of your paternity leave

- Advice for new Dad's from my favorite Dad blogger (yes I have a favorite Dad blogger:)

* Some good reading:

- An interesting theory on why babies cry at night

- Why isn't the baby industry working harder to revolutionize the breast pump!?

- A very interesting (but LONG) article about "The Overprotected Kid"

- Just in time for summer road trips, a book of kid friendly adventures in the Hudson Valley.

Lastly, THIS little girl's reaction to finding out her mother is pregnant literally brought tears to my eyes.

For previous "For the Kiddos" posts, click HERE.

For the Kiddos

Hey kiddo!

After spending 4 days in Atlanta with my beyond delightful 3 year old niece and brand spankin new little nephew, I have developed a severe case of baby brain. Not to be confused with "want a baby" brain, my baby brain is just a constant state of kid-filled daydreams which get me super excited for the day when Dr. H and I decide to start a family (because from what I can tell, having a family is awesome:) To hold me over until that day, (and to share all the ideas and info I've been hoarding for it!) here's the latest installment of "For the Kiddos". Enjoy!

I'm absolutely in love with the adorable shirts and leggings available in the Spoon x Chogre Etsy shop! Made of organic cotton and covered in colorful, unique prints, I can't wait to have a tiny human to dress in these shirts!

Want a craft activity for your toddler that doubles as an adorable gift? How about you "send a hug"!? The perfect way to send love to far away relatives, this 3 ingredient craft (paper + scissors + markers/crayons) is sure to be a hit with your kiddo as well. (Original post HERE.)

Pretty much the coolest way to store your kids Legos. Ever. (Also, an excuse to eat Cheese Balls!)

Toddler proof your doors for the cost of 1 pool noodle. It's all about improvising people!!!

Breakfast is always better with (smiling) monsters! Turning morning oatmeal into an adorable treat using THIS simple step-by-step tutorial. You've probably already got everything you need except the edible marker (and I think every kitchen should probably have an edible marker:)

Parental Reading.
Here are a few kiddo-related books I've recently heard very good things about around the web:

* How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good to Know... the First Time Around

* All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood (not how parents effect kids, how kids effect parents)
* Real Food For Mother and Baby (a book about just giving your kids all the good stuff you're eating).

And here are a few interesting articles that got me thinking:

* Comparing American parenting techniques to those in other countries (REALLY fascinating)
* Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes.

* 7 Secrets to raising happy kids? Sure, why not!!?
* 10 common mistakes parents make - a REALLY interesting look at what parents do now and how it may impact the long term health and well being of their kids. 

Plus, a few things you just might need to buy:

* Must have baby items according to Cup of Jo.

* The perfect high chair solution for apartments dwellers and others without a ton of space.

* Got a little one waking you up before the sun!? Maybe this "ok to wake" clock is the solution?!

Feeling SUPER!

These will never ever stop blowing my mind.

Hooray for Friday!!! This morning, while working on besting my "hit the snooze" personal record, I remembered that Sunday is the Super Bowl and I was like "yay! finger foods!" and then I promptly fell back asleep. Thankfully(?) I am fully awake now, and I am ready to share some goodness of the Super Bowl variety. First, please tell me you've seen this non-Super Bowl, Super Bowl commercial:

Anna Kendrick you are the shizz (and well done Newcastle)

Next, let's talk about food. Food, Glorious Food! 

(hey just because I love football doesn't mean I can't also make musical theater references!)

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - YES PLEASE!

Pin it HERE, Full recipe HERE.

One Pot (you know I love these) Cheeseburger Casserole.

Pin it HERE, Full recipe HERE.

* If "ultra-classy, sporty chic" is your Super Bowl style, than click HERE for perfect party tips*

* Here's some insider info about the commercials you'll be seeing * 

Want to watch something adorable, get teary-eyed and remember what sports is really all about!? 

(Hint: Entertainment and joy for fans of all ages.)

These football-inspired "treat cones" are super easy to make and adorable to snack from!

Pin it HERE, Full instructions HERE.

It doesn't get any easier to be sporty than this!! Take your guac, place it in a rectangular serving dish and use sour cream in a zip lock bag (with the corner snipped off) to draw your football field!) 

Click HERE for other football shaped inspiration.

Hump Day Distractions

Haha!

A winter weather hello and happy hump day to you my friends! NYC is a snowy wonderland again and though it makes getting around a bit tougher and slower, I have to say... I love it. If it's going to be cold, might as well have snow (says the girl with no driveway to shovel or car to skid around!) I'm trying my best to enjoy the sparkling white before it all turns muddy grey. For those of you relaxing at home as well as the tortured ones who had to schlep to work, here are some distractions to get you over the hump!

* What a brilliant idea for all those broken Forever 21 purchases that I can't seem to throw away!

* Ever wonder what the best (aka, most popular) movie to be filmed in your state is?

* I've always loved American Eagle undies (and jeans, and accessories!) but THIS gives me another reason to be a fan.

* This baby has excellent musical taste (worth waiting through the pre-roll!)

* Some tips for staying fit when you work 10+ hours days.

* I am a HUGE sucker for J Crew's color palate (jane green! bright blue! popping pink!) so  I found THIS video about their color creation process super fascinating.

* Dear shoes. I need you.

* If you love Disney World even half as much as I do, you've gotta check out these secret factoids!

* Oh men.

Hump Day Distractions

awww twinsies!

Happy Hump Day my fellow this-is-the-longest-week-ever endure-ers! Though the minutes seem to be dragging by this week, we've finally made it to the halfway point and I couldn't be more thrilled. Also bored, but mostly thrilled. Is it Friday yet!?

* These brilliant shadow sculptures really blew my mind. So creative!

* Remember when (parent)thetically speaking told us about her adorable toddler's musings? This simple craft is a great way to save those charming child moments forever (the examples are pretty darn adorable too!)

* Just when I thought I couldn't love hockey any more than I already do... THIS.

* An elegant take on baked ziti sure to satisfy your winter comfort food cravings.

* So THIS is pretty magical.

* Hairbands transformed into sparkly, sweet tiaras? Someone get me some pipe cleaners!

* I waited and contemplated and now my size is sold out. DOH!!!

* If NYC was turned into a Super Mario game.

* What's the weirdest thing about your state? (Here in New York we've got an upside down bridge!!)

On Frogging

It isn't easy being green.

Dr. H and I are currently embroiled in a bitter night time a war. In truth, the war has been waging for years, with periods of relative peace marked by sudden and unpredictable uprises. It is the War of The Frog. The frog, for those unfamiliar with it, is the sleeping position in which the sleeper, on his/her side or stomach, keeps one leg straight while the other is bent, tucked under and slightly to the side (very much like a sitting frog <--). "Frogging", as we affectionately refer to it, is the preferred sleeping position of yours truly and recently Dr H has been going through a bit of a frogging phase himself. But that's not what sparked the war. The war is the result of each of our preference for frogging toward the middle of the bed and inevitably, going "over the line". Dr H gave me a stern warning the other morning that I'd spent much of the night with my frog leg on his side of the bed. Somewhere around 2am last week, I physically shoved off his frog, to remove it from my hip (viewed as an act of unprovoked aggression by my bed-mate). 

So are we supposed to get a bigger bed (you know I've considered a bigger bed..!) or are we supposed to lay down each night and jigsaw puzzle piece our way into sleeping position leaving to chance the possibility of an over the line infraction in which someone takes a knee to the gut (or groin, sorry!) during the night? We are not the biggest people, we should be able to manage in our generously proportioned queen size bed. But with my right frog and his left frog refusing to back down, for now, the war wages on.

PS: 31 Days of Halloween

Just in time for the weekend, click HERE for full instructions from Simple As That to make these absolutely adorable Halloween crafts. The kiddos are gonna LOVE 'em. (Click HERE to Pin It)

PPS: "Feed Your Football Face" Recipe of the Week - Pepperoni Cheese Stick Roll Ups

I think the picture says it all folks (especially since the Pin doesn't link to anything!!) but just in case... Buy the pre-packaged dough, some pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni, which FYI is delish) and cut your polly-o's in half. Roll, paint on a little olive oil, sprinkle w garlic and bake til brown. Don't forget the red sauce for dipping!!

PPPS: A truly heartwarming thanks for the lovin I got in the comments section yesterday. I guess my need for inspiration was a bit reflective of my uninspired mood and holy cow was it uplifting to hear from some of you. Thank you thank you and have a wonderful weekend my merry friends!!!

31 days of Halloween

Just 9 more days until Halloween!!

Stopping in real quick to throw some Halloween goodies at ya... it's been a nutty morning. I think I'll blame it on the 10 minutes I spent preparing and chugging my lemon water :) Either way, Happy Halloween-y Tuesday!

So these are kinda gross looking, but also really awesome. Unfortunately the pin doesn't link to instructions, but I'm going to deduce that they're something like "slice a raw hotdog as seen in the picture; wrap in stringy strips of pre-made crescent dough; bake until light brown." Seems about right..! I think your kiddos need some mummy dogs in their life this Halloween!!

Another seasonal item perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving and everything in between. These adorable acorns are super easy to create and make for a bite sized autumn treat! Click HERE for full instructions from Gracious Rain or HERE to pin it.

Isn't this mustache o'lantern just the cutest thing? Even easier than carving, click HERE for full instructions from The Swell Life or HERE to pin it. (PS- where can I find white pumpkins!?)

Hump Day Distractions

Guess what day it is you sassy pink fellow you...

"I can't wait to go home and arrange these gords in our new basket!" - Thing I actually said last night. (#decorativegordseason). It's Wednesday... not Friday. Good lord someone get me to Friday. But in the meantime, let's get our hump on.

* Gloria Steinem absolutely shuts down the lame Miley Cyrus debate going on.

* Oh Restoration Hardware... you so silly.

* This seems like a craft project that just might be worth the effort (tassel-tastic!)

* So. Many. Tasty. Grilled. Cheeses.

* Romance in the Big Apple. J'adore.

* Going through a bit of a skull phase... diggin this necklace.

* I own more than a few of THESE life-changers and I absolutely agree (lookin at you SodaStream!)

* From black and white to color... very cool.

* This kid is my hero. My food loving, poop-chatting, hero.

And for today's 31 Days of Halloween, HERE are 25 adorable kiddie costumes (some of my most favorites below).

Have a wonderful weekend

Be kind, but also... :)

Got any fun weekend plans!? I'll be swimming in a sea of niece/nephew lovin and hopefully enjoying some summer sunshine. I can't wait :) Here to send you into the weekend is a bit of crafty/drinky inspiration and a little something fun to make you smile. Enjoy!

Make a Monster!

Enjoy a "Summer Shandy"
(light beer, lemonade & peach brandy)

hehe.

Have a good one!