Baby It's Cold Outside

Good frosty afternoon everyone! Well, there's not much to say about the weather other than it's sitting at a chilly -19 (feels like -26) and is only going to get worse as the week goes on. What's better? The heat in our office is broken and T and I are sitting here at our computers in our parkas (I kid you not)... to say it is a bad day to have no heat is an understatement.

Despite the cold weather, I am slowly starting to think of spring and how wonderful it is going to be to get reacquainted with the sun. For now though, the only sun I get to feel is for a few seconds as I run from house to car to office to lunch and back again. This doesn't stop me from looking forward though... and spring means new clothes. New clothes in lighter fabrics, bright colors and fun patterns. My winter 'uniform' consists of black on black on black, which doesn't particularly help my dreary mood. So, with that, I have included some styles that I am looking forward to and some outfits I am excited to attempt. 

First is this Wool Crepe V-Neck Dress in Guava from J-Crew. The color is perfect for spring because it has just enough pop without being too tropical. Also, the mid-length sleeve makes it perfect for spring weather. 

Next are these Pixie Jodhpur Pants with Leather Trim, also from J-Crew. As I have mentioned numerous times, I love the color navy and these legging-style pants would be a great alternative to the black leggings I wear almost everyday. I also love how the leather ads a little kick without making you look like a biker chic. 

For something a little edgier, I really like this Studio Top with Rhinestones paired with these Piped Studio Trousers, both from Zara's Spring 2013 collection. I have tried on these pants and, even though the model is stick thin, they do look good on someone who has a.. umm... larger behind. I promise. 

Finally, there is this Jacquard Mini Skirt also from Zara paired with a simple grey sweater and a chunky necklace (both from their Spring 2013 Collection). I would trade the grey sweater for a black one and I would wear it with black tights and black pumps for drinks after work. 

Before I go though, I must share a couple Baby Looks for Spring 2013. Since T is LESS THAN 2 MONTHS away from having her baby, I think it's only fair that I share some Baby Looks as well. They aren't finding out the sex... so here are some of the best of Girls and Boys. 

I know I know... buying Burberry for a baby is a waste of money. But come on! How cute is this Burberry Infant Cotton Cardigan and Dress Set? Honestly... it is too adorable. 

What could  be cuter than a baby in Burberry you ask... how about a baby in this Armani Junior Circles Dress? Cute as a button.

Again with the Burberry... But these Infant's Cashmere-Blend Check Overalls look so cozy and warm, and can be worn by either a boy or a girl.

And what little boy's wardrobe is complete without this Dolce and Gabbana Infant Athletic Tracksuit? Though girls get to wear pink little frilly outfits... the boys clothes are pretty darn cute these days too.

Well that's enough for today. T will be going down to visit Mom and Dad H this weekend so we will be back with an update soon. I hope everyone is having a nice week, despite this terrible weather. Stay warm!

With Love,

S

The Goings On Around Here

Good Sunday Afternoon Everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying this rainy (???) winter day. I know some people don't believe that global warming is going to be an issue in our lifetime... but when I wake up to rain and 6 degree weather on January 13th... makes you wonder. ANYWAY, something about the rainy weather makes me want to clean and bake, so I did just that today. I cleaned the house and tried a new bread-like focaccia recipe that is currently in the oven and looks delicious. The recipe is found here, and here is a picture of it before it went in the over. 

Despite the rainy weather, I took E skating for his FIRST TIME EVER last night and we had the best time. Needless to say, we went to an indoor rink, but it was lovely nonetheless.

A little unsure 

It's hard to believe that he has lived in Canada for 7 years and has never been skating. But, it was time. I guess the feeling of being on ice comes naturally to me because I was in skates as soon as I could walk... but it definitely didn't for him. My stomach still hurts from laughing so hard. We had the best time though, and celebrated by going to our favorite restaurant Dolcetto and Co. in old Montreal.

Mama H is doing well, Baby & T are healthy and growing and we are... happy. Here are some pictures of what we have been upto lately. 

L turned 4... while Baby enjoyed the cake

I'm sitting here listening to the rain while the smell of focaccia fills the air. No better way to spend a Sunday. Well, I'm off... I have some 'Girls' to catch up on before tonight's premiere. Wishing you all a happy end to your weekend. 

With Love,

S

January 1st Is The First Blank Page Of A 365 Page Book. Write A Good One.

Good evening every one and Happy New Year!

First off, we hope that everyone had a great holiday season and an even better start to 2013. Our New Year's Ever was... perfect. Perfect because we got to spend it all together, and because we all managed to stay up until midnight. Even Mama H!

We may not have made it into the big city to watch the ball drop, or attended a wile house party, but we did throw quite the party in our little home in Hackensack. We played games, drank champagne, counted down from ten and watched the fireworks and the glow coming from the city. It was so magical, that I had tears in my eyes as we shouted 'Happy New Year' to fellow neighbors out on their balconies watching the sky light up with us. 

And what are my new year's resolutions? I have none. That's right. I don't promise to lose weight, or go to the gym every day. I don't promise to shop less or stop swearing. For the first time, I will not make any resolutions... because resolutions never last. 

I happen to love enjoying a nice dinner with my family, and a couple glasses of wine with E. I don't love the gym and, even though I go, I don't want to feel guilty about missing a day to hang out with my sisters. And you know what? Sometimes, no polite adjective or verb can explain how you feel and you just have to give in to your inner sailor (sorry Mama). So, instead, I will continue to do what I've attempted to do for the past little while. I will try and be a better daughter, a better sister, a better girlfriend, a better friend... a better person. 

I will continue to try my best to balance spending time with my family, and being a successful business woman. Balance pizza and wine with yogurt and granola. Yoga and jogging. Ying and Yang. There will be setbacks, but there will also be productivity. Of course, I always strive to be more organized, more efficient, and healthier. But resolutions imply deadlines, and I don't want deadlines. Improving oneself is an ongoing process; there is no start and end date. This upcoming year will bring many challenges but, I also have a sister who is engaged and a sister expecting a baby. Soon, we will have a new brother in-law and a niece or nephew who we can spoil and shower with love. Life seems to be that way; you can't have joy without a little sadness. But, until then, I will enjoy my family and do my best to become a better me. 

Today, we made a trip down to the Jersey Shore for a walk along the boardwalk.

 Despite getting lost at first (my fault) we had a great day. We walked along the water, felt the sea breeze, and just enjoyed the day together. 

It was an absolutely perfect day which ended with a nice dinner and a few games of cards. E and I head back home tomorrow and, despite the good time we have had, I leave with much sadness. It is never easy leaving my parents; my heart aches as I hug and kiss them goodbye and I usually spend the first 30 minutes of the drive debating turning back. The day that they come home could not come soon enough. Our family is not complete without them. However, I do not want to sound unappreciative for the time we have spent together... because, believe me, I cherish these times more than anything. But that doesn't make leaving any easier. So, until next time, think about what you would like to do with your 365 days because I know I will be :)

With Love,

S