Favorite things...

I am definitely a girl who appreciates a few pretty things to decorate one's life.  I also fancy the collection of certain items that I fall particularly for, such as...
the fifty $9 tanks from Target, too many colors to choose betweenthe 25 latte bowls from Anthro, again with the colorscardigans. can't have enough
and I love how my Mr. refused to add a new pair of boots to my Christmas list (sent off each year to Mr. and Mrs. Arizona Claus).  He even proceeded to count my collection as we nestled into bed last night.  Eleven, eleven pairs.  I love each one for a different reason and who wouldn't want to add these to their collection...

Love you Steve Madden, you darling man you.

Though these above items of mention may be pretty and also quite useful, they really are not my very favorite things.  In fact, the 'things' in my favorite are of the more intangible kind...
The way my Mr. holds me tight when I am feeling...insecureThe way Noah shows great enthusiasm when the family is togetherThe way Gabi lovesThe love I have for Mr. Witt and its growth over timeand weather, I truly LOVE the weather...

Thank you dear weather for lifting my spirit this morning.  I could barely let go of the hubsband this morning, feeling a little sad and blue... but then you came, just in time, to remind me how very special it is to be in your presence.   xx

it was kind of a grey day.  and then I saw these...

and suddenly the day wasn't so grey.  

xx

New Project....

I am refusing to let the 3:30 sundown deter me from posting pics of my new evening projects!  How sad that I leave for work in the dark and come home in the dark (well almost dark)...  Thank you instagram for kinda sorta spiffing up a grainy night time pic of these super cute ... not really sure what they are ... kinda bags!

Hope to see them in a farm store soon ;-)

Dear Christmas Season,

I do love you, really I do.

So many joyful events and people coming together.

Lovely lights stung through trees.

Decoration to catch the eye.

Jolly music to lift the spirit.

Delicious food to tantalize the taste buds.

 

And the smell, the smell of Christmas.  

 

Nothing quite like a cold air blowing through the trees while you are warm, under a blanket, sitting by a tree in your living room!

A weekend in Food...

This year, a highlight of my yearly girls weekend in the city, with my mom, was an unexpected exchanged between two food lovers and a one lovely chef.

Mr. Ricco gave a small recommendation concerning the butternut squash soup.  Two eaters inform him of their desire to have a vegan meal.  Chef requests they sit back and let him take care of the menu for the evening.  Two novice foodies nervously agree...

This was one of the greatest random moments of my life.  Not only did we discover he was 'kind of a big deal' told by our waiter but we got top vegan treatment!  He said that it posed a challenge for him and that vegans definitely get the short end of the stick.  ;-)

I could gush and gush **note me giving him the BIGGEST hug afterward** but I will just say, it was the best meal I think I have ever had.

 

Thank you Anthony Ricco, that was so kind of you.

The second highlight to this trip... an also unexpected opportunity to pose in a more non traditional Christmas photo...

Sorry mom, you cannot keep this from the world ;-)

An American Girl Doll...

My American boy, like many, went through a stage of obsession with the web throwing- crime fighting-action hero Spiderman.  Was it entirely healthy, No.  Was it totally adorable when he spun webs and climbed walls at 3, Yes!

These days, as he rounds the double digits, action heros have been replaced by skateboards, cartoons by skate videos, and spinning webs to...well no more spinning webs.  BUT, when he was given tickets to see Spiderman in the dark on Times Square, well his enthusiasm was through the roof!  The boys had an amazing time at the show and gave it two thumbs up!

With the boys out of the picture the girls were free to be girly, and in anyway that we chose...  Gabi's request, a trip to the American Girl Doll store on 5th Avenue.  Done and Done.

What a place that is, my goodness.  Little girls from all over the country, girls who have been waiting for this day, girls so excited to pamper their dolls.  Yes, part of it is over the top, agreed.  But fun for a day, totally!

Window shopping

Grandma Mindy graciously escorting Stars to the salon for a much needed hair treatment!

The hair dresser was seriously sweet and Gabi was smitten.  She asked where Gabrielle worked and if she had her driver's license.  I wanted to ask her to move to Vermont and come over for tea.  She gave us a much needed lesson in doll hair care and then we were on our way to the shoes...

Gabrielle chose a matching Christmas dress for her and her doll and a new pup named Chocolate chip.

The whole experience was pleasant even among what seemed like several hundred little girls.  The staff was kind and helpful and the prices were not astronomical.  Though the doll can cost a bit to begin with they are seriously well made and can last a very long time.

I was happy to see Gabrielle having a day all for her, she deserves it, thanks Grandma Mindy!!

Now I am off to the City again, in about 4 minutes, to do it all over again.  A tradition going for years in a row.  See you in a few hours mom!

Hello SOHO!

Hello December, you ol' dog you...

I sure do love your sky. 

This lost bird finds solace in the twigs that entwine you.  Late afternoon is really your hour.  You dress as if attending a royal ball, in crystal blue silk and vibrant pink taffeta... but it seems that the clock strikes twelve far too quickly and I am left with a early evening midnight sky...



Now let's see what you've got in the fluffy white snow department!
xx