Boston - From Me To You

From Me To You is one of my favorite photography blogs.  Last week's posts included one entitled "24 Hours in Boston", which showcases 24 pictures capturing the photographer's experience in the city.  The pictures do a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of my city, so I had to share them here.  Go check out the post to view the entire series.

Cozy Sweaters, Holiday Music, and Candy Canes

via frommetoyou

This week's Three Beautiful Things:

1.  My favorite cozy cashmere turtleneck sweater.  I got it off the clearance rack at an Ann Taylor in San Francisco about 10 or 11 years ago (wow can that be right?), and it's still one of my favorite things to wear.  Soft and warm.
2.  Holiday music.  My favorite song is "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella", but I do adore "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming".  Those are my favorites to sing, anyway.  I love finding original holiday songs to add to my collection too.  There are a couple fun new ones on the Indigo Girls new holiday CD, and I love the Coldplay song too.  What are your favorites?
3.  Candy canes.  Oh how I love them.  If it wasn't for my son wanting to eat sugar all day long, I'd have a candy cane in my mouth all day long.  Thinking I need to bring a box to work...

via designcrush

A Domestic Life

via according to kelly

This weekend consisted of a lot of little projects.  Do you remember making oranges with cloves when you were little?  I totally remember doing this with my mom, and so I decided to do it for myself this year.  My husband thinks they look creepy, but I think they look nice, and they sure do smell good.  The big boy keeps pulling the bowl over to take a big whiff of the yummy smell.  Creepy?  I think not. 

I also decided to make my sugar cookie dough.  I froze most of it to use in a couple weeks, but I kept a little out to have a trial run of decorating.  I'm glad I did, because I not only overcooked them, but the icing was only so-so.  I definitely learned some lessons for when I make the ones that will go in the gift boxes for our neighbors.  And....the big boy had such fun decorating and eating this batch!  

I haven't chosen my other cookie flavors.  Options include:  chocolate thumbprints, chocolate-peppermint sandwiches, lemon wreaths, jam thumbprints, chocolate-almond crackles, gingerbread trees...  Too many to choose from! 

We also started our paper chain for the Christmas tree, and we cut snowflakes to dress up our dining room windows.  The big boy finished up his gifts for everybody, including decorating and labeling the boxes.  He made just a little something for his grandmas and aunts and uncles.  I want him to experience the giving aspect of the holidays and not just the getting.

I talked to my best friend on Saturday, and when I told her what we were doing, she said, "Geez, you're so domestic....it's weird."  I have to admit, it is kind of weird.  She has known me for over 20 years now, long enough to remember the days when I couldn't imagine being a mom.  I never had any experience with kids, and I didn't really have any desire to.  I figured there are some people who just aren't meant to be mothers.  Of course, years later, I grew up a bit and met my husband.  Things changed.  I changed.  And now I can't imagine not being a mom.  It has all come more naturally to me than I expected, and I've been surprised by how much I love it.  Not only loving my adorable boys, but also loving the activities we do together.  Teaching them and watching them learn.  The holidays are an especially fun time to have little kids, and I'm enjoying every second of it so far. 

Next weekend:  The big boy's 4th birthday party!

via

Kitchen Inspiration

Another gorgeous kitchen.  Check out that oven.  I'm hoping we can have a larger island, but it makes me feel good to know how cute a kitchen can be with a little one.  Also love the big clock, the rug, and the colorful accents.

via littleemmaenglishhome

Movies I Like to Watch During the Holidays

My husband is out of town this week, and he'll be traveling next week as well.  I've decided to use the time to wrap presents and watch movies (and blog a little).  I am also reminded that we are out of hot cocoa - mental note to pick some up this week! 

What are your favorite movies to watch during the holiday season?  The list below was from an old post I created a couple years ago.  Stephmodo inspired me to re-post it.  (It boggles my mind to realize I've kept this little blog up for this long!)  My list hasn't really changed, although I added Little Women to it.  I don't watch all of these movies every year, but I often watch most of them.  And yes, I cry during almost all of them.

Hmmmm....what to watch tonight...

1. Miracle on 34th Street - The 2000 version is just wrong. Stick with the original.
2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Totally silly. Just a fun one for everyone.
3. It's a Wonderful Life - Makes me cry every single time. "To my big brother, George - the richest man in town." (I seriously teared up just typing that.)
4. A Christmas Carol - I prefer the George C. Scott version, although I am fond of the old b&w Alistair Sim version as well. It was my dad's favorite.
5. A Christmas Story - People typically love this movie or hate it completely. It cracks me up.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! - Okay, this one isn't a movie (I've never seen the movie and have no plans to), but it's a great 30 minutes! I am pretty sure I can recite the entire thing by heart.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas - We typically put this on while decorating the tree. I love how one scraggly branch becomes a cute (and full!) Christmas tree. And you gotta love Linus and that blanket.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Ah, the land of the misfit toys. I also love Frosty the Snowman.
9. Love Actually - Somehow this has turned into an annual tradition as well - I think I've watched it every year since it came out.  The scene where the little kids make Hugh Grant's character sing a Christmas carol to them cracks me up every time.
10.  Little Women - Very sweet and beautiful movie.
Honorable mention:   I've actually enjoyed the predictable and kinda cheesy The Family Man in recent years as well.  

Jakob Dylan - Everybody's Hurtin'

This week's music pick is from Jakob Dylan.  I've liked the Wallflowers, but I'm really loving Jakob's solo music.  His latest came out this year, and it's beautiful.  Take a listen to this one, which includes backing vocals from Neko Case and Kelly Hogan.  Then go listen to the rest.  They are true folk songs - you have to really listen to the lyrics in combination with the music.

via last.fm

Pins of the Week

*Colin - Who doesn't love Colin Firth?  Seriously.  And have you seen A Single Man yet?  I watched it a few months ago, and it's amazing.  Heavy, but beautiful.  
*Bench - Where can I find this bench?  We need something like this for our front entryway.  It's a small space, so we've struggled to find something that will work.  I love this.
*Flowers - Aren't these such happy colors?  They remind me of the colors on our Christmas tree.  I'm sorry, K, but I don't think we'll be going back to white lights any time soon.  
*Chocolate-Pistachio Torte - Okay, so it's down to this or an Almond Torte with Raspberry Jam filling.  Family...which would you prefer?  There's nothing that says we can't make both, of course, but probably just one for Christmas.

These are just a few of the photos I've recently pinned on my pinboards at Pinterest:  Mary Loves

I am also thinking I should have this sign posted in our house, and at my office, and at the grocery store...

Preparations...

via beautiful-portals tumblr

These days I find myself puttering around the house, making lists and little preparations for the upcoming holiday.  We will be the hosts again this year, so I'm getting ready for our little house to be full of family.  I'm collecting menu ideas, moving unseasonal coats out of the coat closet, using up pantry items, cleaning out the medicine cabinets, and generally removing clutter.  Actually, I remove clutter pretty much all year round - clutter and I are not friends, but I'm a little more focused on it at the moment.  I continue to do a little bit each day so that I'll be ready to just relax and have fun when everyone arrives.  And for the record, I am wishing that our street looks something like the above picture on Christmas morning.  

I'm also trying to do a little every day to honor the holiday season.  My cards are set up on the dining room table, and I am addressing a few each night.  My iPod is now full of holiday tunes, some new and some old.  I love a mix.  I put a little egg nog in my coffee this morning.  I water my beautiful tree.  I am collecting cookie recipes, unable to choose between so many yummy options.  I am gathering gift boxes in my closet and am looking forward to a wine-and-gift-wrap night in the coming weeks.

I've noticed some people letting the stress get to them, and I want to tell them to go have a cup of hot cocoa.  Stir it with a candy cane even.  It's the most wonderful time of the year...

via little emma english home

via mary ruffle

via pinterest

A bit much, perhaps, but how awesome is this scarf?  8 feet of luxurious merino wool.  Wow...

via etsy

Photos of the Day and a New Tradition

Take a look at our new Thanksgiving tradition - the soup can turkey.  I went on our holiday trip armed with little activities and diversions in an effort to keep the big boy engaged.  One of the things we did was this soup can turkey, and I am pretty confident it will be an annual tradition from now on.  We had a great time making him, and he looked so cute as our table centerpiece.  He didn't want us to give the turkey a name, so he was simply called "turkey".  Fine by me. 

The little boy kept himself entertained.  He received this stuffed Cookie Monster as a gift, and it hasn't stopped cracking him up yet.  When we got home and were busy unpacking and settling back in, he played on the dining room floor for about an hour.  I guess the boy doesn't need more than a bag of cars and trains. 

Holiday Recap

via prettystuff

Well, the leftovers are almost gone, the tree is up, and the Christmas music is in heavy rotation.  The holiday season has officially begun.  We spent a few nice days at my mother-in-law's house.  It was quieter than usual, but that's okay.  The first night, I was in bed at 8:45.  Thanksgiving night, it was 9:30.  The little boy was in the room with us, so it wasn't entirely restful, but still....I can't complain about the amount of time I got to spend in bed.  We came home on Saturday, which we've learned is definitely the way to go.  We then had that evening to get unpacked and Sunday to enjoy relaxing and decorating the house. 

The first thing the big boy said this morning was "Mom, I want my bag."  Forgetting that they are called stockings, he just knew that they'd be full of presents.  He was a little disappointed to learn that he has to wait a few more weeks.  Especially with his birthday in-between now and then, I think he'll survive.

Here are a few other things I learned this holiday weekend:

- Pumpkin Cream Pie is better than Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake Pots. (Woohoo!  We won Bake-off 2010!)  The gingersnap crust is what won it for us.  Delicious.  Since cream pies have won the last three years, I'm thinking next year we'll have to enforce a "no cream pie" rule, though. 

- The big boy is a fan of back massagers.  When we got home, he informed me that he liked Grandma's house better than ours.  When I asked why, he said, "because of the remote control chair".  I'm a fan too, truth be told.

- The little boy is a terror around a Christmas tree.  Fingers crossed that he loses interest soon, but so far he really loves taking whacks at it and throwing ornaments across the room.

- Baked French Toast is awesome.  So easy to pull together the night before, and then whoever gets up first just needs to throw it in the oven.  Once everybody is up and hungry, it's ready!  And nobody has to stand in front of the stove.  It's definitely a rich special-occasion dish but one I will gladly eat.  Those candied pecans! 

- It's good to give thanks.  Thanksgiving is such a lovely holiday.  I try to focus every day on the things in my life for which I am grateful, but how nice to have a whole holiday dedicated to just that.  I tried to remind my almost 4-year-old of it as well.  Every now and then I'd tell him something I'm grateful for and ask him what things would be on his list.  I got responses everywhere from "You and Daddy" to "glitter glue" and "my balance bike". 

via etsy

It's getting colder, and snow is in the forecast for the first time this year.  Maybe we'll get some early next week.  I will hate it in March, but for now I say "let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!".  I'll try to stay this cute all bundled up...

via thatkindofwoman

I'm Thankful For...

images via ellaminnowpeas tumblr

I'm thankful for so much.  What's on your list?  

- My boys.  The one who surprises me with flowers every now and then and is willing to warm up my side of the bed before I get in.  The one who loves to give me lots of big running hugs and giggles like crazy.  And the one who still (almost) fits on my chest and smiles a silly seven-tooth grin.  

- Family.  I'm so lucky to have such amazing people in my life.  

- Friends.  Near and far.  This includes the ones I haven't even met.  

- Good food.  Cheese and olives and figs.  Leftover turkey sandwiches.  Oh, I could go on and on...

- Music.  All different kinds.  It feeds my soul.

- My fireplace.  It's little and gas, and I do long for the smell of a wood-burning fireplace, but this little fireplace makes our living room amazingly cozy.  I love it.  

- Hot showers.  

- Facebook. A little weird?  Perhaps.  But I am thankful that it allows me to connect with my friends and family just a little easier.  To see pictures of kids growing up throughout the year and not just on a holiday card.  

- Good books, and the people that write them.  

- The ocean.  I love that I get to see it every day.  The smell of the sea air makes me happy.

- Vacation plans.  Yes, it's true - Italy is close to becoming a reality.  Next August! There's nothing like having a fun trip to look forward to.

- Living in a place I love.  Boston may be cold, but that just means there's a decent chance of a white Christmas.  It's home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pins of the Week

Here are a few things I've spotted and loved this week (clockwise from top left):

*Balloons - This is a pretty picture, and it reminds me of the book I recently finished reading - Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan.  The writing is so good and so intense - it grabs you and doesn't let go.  
*Silver Facet Earrings - These are an example of what I need more of in my little jewelry box.  Simple, classic items that I could wear every day.  K, if you're reading this, you could pick these up now and be prepared well in advance of my birthday.  Hint hint.  
*Ellen Page - Isn't she so cute?  
*Pumpkin Cream Pie - I feel a bit lazy with this year's bake-off entry.  I'm making this pumpkin cream pie.  It does look yummy, though, doesn't it?  I'll let you know how it goes.  

These are just a few of the photos I've recently pinned on my pinboards at Pinterest:  Mary Loves

I also just pinned this one, which reminds me that although I'm not feeling great, perhaps what I need is to spend some time on the couch with a cup of tea and a book.  Here I go...

via tea for joy

Bedroom Inspiration

Sometimes it's just fun to look at pretty rooms, isn't it?  I have quite a collection growing on my pinterest boards, so I thought I'd share a few beautiful bedrooms.  

This one is my favorite.  I love everything about it...

via ellaminnowpeas

I just love dark hardwood floors.  I normally don't like cool colors like this pale blue in bedrooms, but somehow the dark floors and orange pillows balance it out, so it still manages to feel cozy.  

via apartment therapy

I wish I had tall ceilings so I could have a chandelier over my bed...

via country living

This is the kind of warm cozy I like to feel in a bedroom, although I think perhaps too many plants for my taste.  Do you like plants in your bedroom?  

via uydurrukcu

The Holiday Season

via etsy

What do you look forward to most about the holidays?

It seems like so many people get stressed out this time of year.  It is a busy time, to be sure, but it's such a beautiful time as well.  I wish more people could just focus on the beauty and let go of the unnecessary stress.  I guess I should just consider myself fortunate.  I love everything about the holiday season, and I am one of the lucky ones that actually enjoys spending time with my family.  I was even lucky enough to marry into a wonderful family as well, so I have good times on both sides. 

Sometimes I do need to remind myself to focus on the things that make me happy.  For example, I decided not to send cards last year.  With a new baby and just starting back at work, I simply didn't have the energy for it.  I missed doing it, because I love exchanging cards with friends and family, so I'm excited to do it again this year, but it was the right decision at that time.  It's taken me a while, but I've realized that you have to prioritize and recognize that sometimes you just can't do it all.

When I think about the things I want to do as a family this holiday season, these are the things that come to mind:

- Make a paper chain for the Christmas tree with the big boy
- Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas while we decorate the tree (with colored lights!)
- Bake something yummy to bring to the neighbors
- Send holiday cards
- Cut paper snowflakes with the big boy to decorate the house
- Attend the Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall.  (This has been a tradition for me and K for years, but this will be our first year for the big boy, and I'm so excited to extend the tradition.)
- Purchase gifts for a child living in poverty
- Celebrate St. Nicholas' Day (Dec. 6th).  (With my son's birthday and Christmas falling in the same month, we have no shortage of celebrations and gifts, and yet I refuse to give this one up.  When I was a kid, I always loved running down to see what St. Nicholas left in my shoes, and I want my boys to remember it too.)
- Watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and cry at the end like I always do
- Drink egg nog.  (I really want to try making a homemade version at some point - do any of you have a good recipe you love?  In the meantime, we'll enjoy it from the store, with a little fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top.  I will drink little tastes while attempting to limit it for my boys - all three of them!)
- Bug my family by insisting we open "just one present!" on Christmas Eve.  (I always ask, they always say no...it's tradition.)
- Enjoy chocolate fondue on New Year's Eve and chocolate chip pancakes on New Year's morning (for a non-chocolate person, I sure do love it sometimes!)

What's on your list?  What do you enjoy most about this time of year?  Do you let it stress you out or are you able to fully enjoy it?