Farewell...

Well. I've decided to end this little blog. I've been thinking about it since the day I got the nerve to do a personal blog. And, right now, it just isn't my thing. I lack the knack. I decided my world might be a brighter place if I took the time I spend on this blog and invested it in my family. You know, get a few more giggles out of my kids every day. A few more hugs. A few more books at story hour.

I started this little blog because of all the hours I sit in front of the computer WORKING. I wanted something fun to entertain myself. But, the reality is I should replace these long hours in front of the computer with hands on family time any chance I get.

So... farewell. I will continue to read all the other fun and fabulous blogs out there and of course, I'll still have my Caribbean Travel Blog and Destination Wedding Blog. And there is always my business... and the new one soon to launch. To my family... I guess I'll go back to updating my Kodak Gallery - or start one on Picasa so I can share pictures again.

It's been fun! And who knows... maybe I'll be back one day.

Bakerella Cake Pops

I'm thinking of making these, thanks to the famous recipe created by the super talented BAKERELLA... you absolutely must check out her blog. It is is delicious!I might take them to a block party this weekend. I am sure ALL the other mommies will adore me for it and will be sure to return the favor and feed my children overly sugared deserts all summer... especially on the rainy days.... when they are stuck inside... driving me nuts.

Back to Bakerella... she is insanely talented... a category not too many people fall into. She has created cake pops for every occasion... get inspired - go visit her blog!

Arizona...

It is raining in Georgia. Again. This must be the 30th straight day of grey skies. The sun has come out to say hello here and there... but I am ready for 100% summer and no more 50% rain.

Thinking of summer always leads me to Arizona.

Where it is summer 360 days of the year.

So, better late than never... here are my Arizona pics. Travel is my life... but so is family and this January trip to Phoenix was all about friends and family...

I love a girl who rocks a snow suit with a tank top...

And Baby Hannah's big brother Sam is the subject of many middle school crushes, I assume... here he is post breakfast at La Grande Orange:

Then it was off to the park... one of the best things about Arizona is warm sunshiny winter days spent playing outdoors. This was B3's first park play date as a walker and he had oh so much fun...

He even found a girlfriend! Baby Hannah again...

It was time to leave before sunburns appeared on fair baby skin... but not before coercing all the children for a group photo. I feel blessed to of known all these kiddos since they were in the womb...

B3 had so much fun... he didn't want to leave...
Lunch was FEZ... delisciouso!

Then a pit stop at one of the many gelaterias popping up all over the valley of the sun... the Gelato Spot... with cousin Janet: (MMM.... that's what I'll do today. Buy some gelato. That will help me get my summer on! And it always looks so pretty in my vintage sorbet glasses.)

Then it was dinner and drinks with some of the girls I've known forever and ever... and a cousin or two...

The End.

the most perfect flowergirl dress ever...

more on my destination wedding blog

There are murals...

And then there is the mural at Two Urban Licks in Atlanta. It is by the artist Todd Murphy. I've tried to find out more about him online... but didn't have much luck... except for this.

Saturday, the husband took me out on the town. Not for any reason... just because. And oh how spoiled do I feel to have had two wonderful dates in the past month! This one was not supposed to compete with my birthday - how could it? That night was dinner at Spice Market at the new W downtown and then a few of my favorite friends surprising me at Eclipse di Luna for my passion - salsa dancing.

So Saturday night we drove. And drove. And finally pulled into an industrial park and whipped our car through the mandatory valet. Doors opened, beats rolled, and smells smacked me on entry. Your eyes have to adjust to the dim sexy light filling the space. As soon as they have adjusted... this is what you will see:

Yes, take it in. Drink it in. Some walk right on by... like nothing... like it was just any old painting on the wall. But I know the story. I know this thing cost almost as much as my house. And rightfully so. It. Is. Incredible!!!

And this pictures does it no justice. It is tropical. Ethereal. Luminance. Wild and Tame. And I LOVE it. So come visit Atlanta. Eat at Two Urban Licks. And gaze your big eyes on this baby. I almost forgot... the FOOD & DRINK is tops too! Basil/Lime Cocktails & Smoked Salmon Chips, Fish Tacos, followed by Banana Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting and Brown Sugar Ice Cream.... the end.

To ponder in awe....

I think all Mothers reflect on their own children and lives around Mother's Day. It is only natural to ponder in awe of the creatures that bestowed on us our title. The most important title we will ever carry. And one we will always carry. Because what sets MOTHER aside from Business Owner, Vice President, CEO, and even Spa Consultant or Shop Girl, is that it is ever constant.

From the day of confirmation, through the butterfly movements deep in a womb, to the first cries for milk and first cries over loves lost... Motherhood is never fleeting. At least it shouldn't be... and oh how my heart weeps in cases where it is. And yet, there are Mommies who step in, take over, adopt, and cherish so the circle of Motherhood continues.

No, once you've taken on the title, it never goes away. You can't turn off Motherhood. You can't call in sick. It is always in your heart, in your every decision. And therefore it must be celebrated. And so I wish for all the Mommies everywhere a grand celebration!

Happy Mother's Day!

PS. To my own Mommie, who reads my blog, you are getting A, B, OR C from the list below... I won't say which... they wouldn't let me slip in a card so I want you to know who it is from... now be surprised!

Children's photos by the glam photog... how would I capture them without her? Other photos from here.

I bought the ferns...

Now I am trying to decide how to make them work with my mantle. Here are some thoughts:

I love the fern on the floor... and the hydrangeas on the mantle.

I am ready to copy this except my ferns are pretty large and my mantle is only 7" deep.

I love the organic objects and brown and white tones.

And this one is my favorite... but no can do because my fireplace just isn't that cool.

PHOTO CREDIT

1. here 2. coconuts and limes 3. perch 4. elements of style

Go Jane!

Oh my... how am I just now hearing about this site? My little girl is tall, has always been tall, and will be tall... she has the genes and the evidence is in her larger-than-my-own feet. This creates a problem because she loves all of my shoes. So thanks to the ELLE mag I was flipping through at the gym today, I am now aware of Go Jane. As soon as Lilia gets home from school, I'll place my order! I picked these 4 pairs for her (combined total is not even $60!) but I'm sure she'll switch a few out for her own faves...

gold toes on black sand

There are so many places I've been where I wish I'd had my camera... or thought to have snapped a shot... of things and places, and sometimes even faces, that seemed so trivial or ho-hum "back then" but would cause me to smile wide now. One such instance is back in 1997 when I spent my 6 months in Costa Rica... 1/2 mile from a black sand beach... and gold was my polish color of choice. I never grew tired of looking down at my toesies as they glowed gold against the jet black of the sand... what a smashing photo that would have made. I'll have to go back.

Eat the Seasons - Watercress Salad

Watercress, Avocado, & Orange Salad. Watercress, with its powerful little bite, is in season April to September. Recipe here.