Five.

Happy fifth birthday G$! You're one fierce duck, duck, goose player, a great big bro, and the most super hero I've ever known.

Green cupcakes (by yours truly), dinosaurs, and Dusty Crophoppers all in the mix for this big kid's special day. Celebrating all week long, baby!

P.S.—G$'s third birthday

P.P.S.—photos by Sophie Mathewson

What SUP?

SHA-PRISE! This Mama got her very own SUP (stand up paddle board) for Mother's Day—time to accessorize—obviously.

Scalloped wet suit jacket // Pop-over Rash Guard // Color-blocked Rash Guard Jacket
Sunblock // Wall Rack // SUP

What I'm Working on Wednesday // Working Moms

I absolutely LOVED working with CT Working Moms—you probably saw them on GMA, The View, or Today Show for what you might call a media blitz this summer. (And they got to meet Channing Tatum... just saying. And take their picture with him. Okay, okay. I digress...) Here's what we whipped up: a sassy new bumper sticker and workout tee for these gals and the women they support with their resourceful and insightful website.

And I don't care if you're working at home with your kids all day, or working in an office. Here are the things you shouldn't leave home without (along with the diaper bag—because the moment you think you don't need it—sh*t hits the fan, literally.)

Nail polish // Smart phone // Phone case // Tote // Coffee // External hard drive
Scarf // Flats // Stain Remover

1 // Kate Spade iPhone case 2 // Lulu Frost  Lighthouse ring 3 // Serena & Lily pouf 4 // Alexander McQueen keyring 5 // Kelly Wearstler brass bracelet 6 // Z Gallerie zebra pillow 7 // Tenderness by Roberto Dutesco at Dovecote

I know what you're thinking: "It's three days to Mother's Day and you decide to post your wishlist NOW?" I've said it before, I'll say it again—McMuffin (like myself) is a procrastinator when it comes to gift buying. So if I post my wishlist too early, he'll forget and I'll wind up with earmuffs, or a tennis racket... where is that thing anyway?

Don't tell McMuffin, but honestly, my favorite present every year is the card Li'l G and Trump make at school. Heart. Melting.

Honestly Awesome.

Today, Jessica Alba and co-founder Christopher Gavigan launch their subscription-based baby product line: The Honest Co. Up front let me say that I haven't tried any of their diapers, lotions, or potions—but dammit I have eyes, and they look adorable!

via The Honest Co.

I like the simplicity of the cyan logo with the leaf butterfly wings. 

How fun to get one of those cute little flowery packages on the doorstep full of naturally awesome goodies for your little one? I can't wait to check out the boy diaper designs for Trumpster. 

Nautical Nursery & Elizabeth Taylor

I received a request last week from Lauren, a fab Mom, (of a darling little lady and a baby boy in the oven) for some ideas for the following:

1. A sophisticated big-girl room

2. A nautical nursery for a baby boy
 
Here's what I found for a big girl's room:

  More glam.

I cannot even deal with the fabulosity of that Elizabeth Taylor painting. Incredible.

Then I found some shots of a big boy room, by Sam Allen Interiors, but thought some of the elements could translate to a nursery:

I love how these aren't in-your-face nautical but they still feel sea-worthy.

Found these watercolor prints that I need to order for my own little guy's room and they'd totally work for Lauren's new baby's room too.

These bad boys are from Etsy.

Dropping some fun news at the end of the week. Super exciting!

Andrea xx

Miss Flame.

It's Nicolina's birthday! I can't think of anyone who deserves a more special day and year more than my Mom.

Kodak's Miss Flame 1970-something—hotsy-totsy! 

(Could this picture be any more perfect for Movember?)

Thanks for teaching me what it takes to be a good wife and Mom. If I can be half as awesome (and patient) as you, I'll be a happy camper. I love you tons and so do your Grandsons and Son-in-law.

You're beautiful inside and out. JUST BEAUTIFUL!

Andrea xx

Little Trump's Big Day.

We celebrated Baby Trump's 1st birthday this weekend—so I guess he's not a baby anymore. Tear! I had a ton of fun and minor anxiety planning his Mustache Fiesta but I'm pretty sure he had a blast with his buddies and familia.

McMuffin and I stomped grapes and made our own wine commemorating Trump's birthday! Okay, that's a lie—I whipped up some custom labels at the last minute. 

Can we talk about these sombrero cookies? I asked my parents if they felt like tackling this baking project and they turned out awesome! 

Happy Birthday to my little Trumpster.

Andrea xx

Picture Pages.

Last week, I mentioned that we were having our family portrait taken over the weekend. Well, we already got the proofs back! So, I want to share a few of the fun photos that Misty Enright captured.

Now, the problem is choosing which one will grace the living room wall and Christmas cards and my desk...the list goes on. Here are a few of my favorites:

My Wild Boys. I love those little toes!

And I know how much my Mom likes a nice traditional family photo, so I thought we could squeeze some in just for her. Entrée meltdown.

This was as good as it got. Baby Trump throwing up his hands saying, "ENOUGH!" and poor Li'l G just wanting a cupcake.

We were so happy with Misty. They boys took to her immediately—especially G$ who turned into quite the little spotlight hog. I wonder who he gets that from? 

If you want to get a jump start on those holiday cards give her a jingle on the jangle. Then call me to drop those gorgeous photos into a beautiful card layout!

Happy Weekend!

Andrea xx

Family Portrait.

I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get a decent family photo. To date, we only have a handful, and none have all participants looking at the camera—let alone smiling for it.

 
I'm hopeful that all of that will change when the talented, Misty Enright shoots the hell out of my family...with her camera.

I don't want anything too "Olan Mills" and I also dislike the matchy-matchy white shirt, blue jeans and bare feet shots. (I mean, have you seen McMuffin's feet? The half marathon did not treat him well.) So I'm thinking we'll try something a little different but relaxed and then a few in the backyard and call it a day.

These family portraits are kind of what I'm looking for—imperfect perfection:

Love the idea of taking a random photo, blowing it up like crazy, and dropping it in a white frame.

 

Posed but not cheese. Geeze, everything Nicole does is flawless. Jeal.

The next two are fun in their own ways, but too posed for me:

BEST EVER! This has me wondering if I should book a hair stylist like they did? Hmmmm.

Andrea xx

Ladies Night | Thursday Night.

This pretty much sums up the evening.

There was a little of this

a little of that

and a pretty delicious dinner.

But as much fun as it was, I'm really REALLY excited to spend time with my family this weekend. 

Watch out Brooklyn, here we come. 

Andrea xx

Before I Go.

I need to stop at Barnes and Noble for a couple new books before we head off on vacation. One in particular that's piqued my interest is 101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home.

Some of the ideas are kind of obvious (32. Hug your kids until they let go.) but some are really neat:


15. Teach your kids that "old-people" don't bite.
38. Serve in a soup kitchen.
68. Walk in the rain with one umbrella.

80. Dig for clams and steam them on the beach.

I'm sure there are million more you could think of because really, any time you spend with your kids is an opportunity to create awesome memories. But here's one more creative addition...

One Father's Day, an old boss of mine decided he needed a haircut—and his stylist of choice were his three kids. When he came into the office on Monday we drilled him on his butchered 'do, but I'm sure his kids will never forget the Father's Day they shaved their dad's head. Brilliant.

Anyway, this seems like it would be a quick-read so comment below with any suggestions for another book I should grab—aside from The Help.

And one more thing: Baby Trump is almost walking!

Have a great week!
Andrea xx

Supermarket Beep.

 via

Last night after picking the boys up from 'school', I decided to stop at the supermarket to grab—what else—more pizza dough. Li'l G was in (insert sarcasm) a spectacular mood and HAD to sit in the front seat of the cart. This is usually fine since the car seat carrier for Baby Trump fits in the back of the cart. Well, that wasn't the case, this particular store had smaller carts. So I begged and pleaded with G$ to "help a sister out" and just sit in the back like he sometimes will. No. Way. José.

So, I thought I had finagled some solution where I clipped the baby's carrier to the back of the cart. I was spotting the carrier (cheerleader style) while pushing the cart the whole way through the parking lot on our way to the store... when the carrier began to tip. Luckily, I caught it—but I clearly looked frazzled.

A woman approached me and asked if I needed any help. I quickly responded, "No, I'll figure it out, [Li'l G's] just being a brat."

The woman stopped me, "No he's not. He's being little—that's how little people act. Now are you sure you don't need some help?"

Lazers, actual lazers, shot out of my eyes and burned a massive hole in her chest. Okay, that didn't happen. But I decided I hated her (same). And I brushed her off again, but more snotty this time.

But the more I think about it, the more I agree with that woman. And the more embarrassed I am with my response. Li'l G is 2 years old and he was tired to boot. I am the (sometimes) rational adult and I need to be the one to compromise, figure out a hairy situation and set the example of acting polite to strangers.

If I saw her again, I'd thank her for the lesson. When I start to lose my patience with the little muffins, I'm going to take a deep breath and ask for help—whether it's from another person or God (for even more patience and grace).

Consider this my apology to that woman.

Andrea xx