Out with the Old

It very very rarely happens, but every once in a great while, a job ends up taking much less time than you expected. This afternoon, while dinner defrosted and the girls watched a video after a rambunctious time at the park, I dove into the mess that is the playroom. Between Eva's birthday party and Christmas, it's seen its share of activity this month. Add to that the old, outgoing toys and the new, incoming toys, and the room had become a disaster. Buckets, baskets and bins held an assorted mishmash of junk - bits and pieces of toys and games scattered in farflung corners of the house. Rewind a couple of months, when I was inspired by a small gesture made by friend Michelle, the mother of two young boys. I was at her house when she was cleaning up the kitchen and came across an unidentifiable plastic object, an unknown part of an unknown toy. Without hesitation, she tossed it in the trash. I found this small, seemingly insignificant action to be both inspiring and a little bit terrifying. Rather than set it aside and spend weeks searching for the purpose of this worthless piece of plastic, she felt the freedome to just toss it out and move on with her calm, clutter-free life. Sigh. Anyway, back to today, where I tore through the playroom, piling and sorting, tossing and storing. The baby toys I set aside for my nephew, due in March. A few forgotten toys that still have some potential were relegated to a bag to be taken to my mom's house for the girls to play with there. And many, many tiny, unidentifiable plastic pieces went straight into the trash! Woo hoo! An hour later, I had finished about two-thirds of the job, and tomorrow morning I plan to tackle the rest. And believe it or not, I can hardly wait! I am eager to start the new year with less junk in the house!

What I Learned This Christmas

The shopping frenzy began in September, and by October it had really gained momentum. As the mom of two little girls, I enjoyed every minute of searching and buying, wrapping and dreaming. I wanted them to have everything! And now, only a couple of days after Christmas, when the dust has yet to settle on the manic present-opening frenzy, I have a different perspective. They already did have everything. They have a wonderful home and parents who love them and each other. And even more, at Christmas, they have had a houseful of cousins to play with. Watching 11 little kids (the oldest two are 7) run joyfully through the house, forming alliances and making memories, brings me back to the days when the best thing of all was just being together, and when Christmas was more about spending time with your cousins then it was about what we found under the tree. So I have hidden many of the gifts away, even though they are opened, and my girls haven't asked for a single one. They seemed to enjoy the frenzy of ripping paper the most, and the toy seemed like an afterthought, especially for my ultrasocial older daughter, Lola. There are a few toys I know will become favorites: Lola's new American Girl doll, Lani, Eva's first AG Doll, a Bitty Baby (both gifts from Kevin's mom), which has hardly left her side, and the puppet theater my mom got them from One Step Ahead (it's a 4 in 1 - kids can also use it as a post office, an ice cream parlor and a magic show).  There are others I know they will get a lot of use out of, once I start, one by one, bringing them into circulation: the Moon Sand set and painting tools for my creative Eva, the girly craft set for my always-bored Lola, and the Princess Cookbook from Aunt Chris and the chef set from me that will make Lola feel like a grown-up. Right now they are running around playing with the simplest things: the pink Brain Food (silly putty) and princess flashlights they found in their stockings. But I am struck with a sense of what excess can do. It dulls the palate, in a way, so that kids no longer appreciate what they have. So after this weeklong frenzy of fun with our cousins draws to a close, I will be reorganizing their playroom and our lives, doing what I typically do before the holidays, and clearing out the old to slowly make way for the new. I feel the need to slow down and focus more on playing with the girls and less on buying stuff for them. As I always say to Kevin, it's good to have goals, and that's one of my main ones for 2011. I don't want life to be one big hectic blur, and I will do my best to shield my kids from too much stuff and too little time. And next year, at Christmas, I will limit my shopping to a couple of very very special gifts, so that the other special gifts they do get (from grandmas and aunts and uncles) take on more meaning and more significance. Here's to a wiser, saner 2011!

Going to Grandma's

Tomorrow afternoon, we head down the street to my mom's house for our annual Christmas Eve celebration, and even though it is right down the street, getting there is definitely half the battle. We transport dozens of gifts, a few dishes filled with food, and overnight bags, because this is not the kind of party that ends early in the evening. We all bring the kids and we all spend the night. That means that my sister, her husband and her three girls, my husband and two girls, my uncle, aunt, and 13-year-old cousin, my brother and his wife, and my parents! It's going to be a full house! Me, Kevin and the girls will be sleeping in the spacious rec room. We will have the sofa bed while the girls will be on two little princess cots that Nelly is bringing for us. So why does going to stay anywhere overnight involve SOOOOO much stuff. Each of the girls has a lovey, a blanket, a pillow, a silicone nightlight, and an oversized sleeping companion (Lola has a huge lamb, and Eva an oversized Hello Kitty). Lola also has Elizabeth, her American Girl doll, that she sleeps with, and Eva usually picks her current favorite book or toy to bring to bed as well! They also each have an alarm clock that doubles as a nightlight, and that turns green at an acceptable wake-up hour (7 a.m.) which we are skipping since it will be Christmas morning! That's our crazy, cozy, fun Christmas Eve! How will you be spending yours? Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

The Christmas Countdown, and an Easy Last Minute Dessert Recipe

Tonight, my sister Nelly hosted her annual dessert night for all of the cousins and siblings as well as spouses -about a dozen of us total. With such a small group, we could all really talk and catch up, and with the amazing spread - everybody brought a dessert - temptation was never far away. Nelly always makes this insanely addictive peppermint white hot chocolate and one of my favorite desserts ever, a yummy decadent pumpkin roll. In honor of my sister in law, who is vegan, she made these no-bake cookies with dried fruit and nuts, and a non-vegan version that also included chocolate. I made the vegan Chocolate Tofu pudding recipe from Weelicious, which was a big hit, even with the kids! I also brought pink cupcakes with pink icing, just for fun. Among the other highlights: my sister in law's gorgeous Strawberry Shortcake, my cousin Anne's baked French toast and the most delicous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies I have ever tasted, and my cousin-in-law Laura made a fruit salad. But the scenestealer of the whole dessert table was the masterpiece that my cousin Nancy and her boyfriend Marc created - a gingerbread house in its own, perfectly realized little snowy setting, with little gingerbread peopel and trees and everything. It was unbelievable! The next few days are equally festive, with our traditional Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's house, Christmas day brunch at my house, and dinner out with all the cousins and siblings next week. Whew! I am bringing a tofu pumpkin mousse for Christmas Eve, as well as my signature roasted root veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Looking for an easy, guilt-free recipe for this weekend's festivities? A tofu-based pudding is so insanely easy (a handful of ingredients, a couple of spins in the blender, and it's done) and superyummy! Here's a link to one of my favorite sites, Weelicious, for their Tofu Chocolate Pudding! Yum!

http://weelicious.com/2009/03/16/chocolate-tofu-pudding/

More Affordable Accessories - All Under $25!

As much as I loved the items on last night's blog (I did pick them, after all!), I knew that there was still room for improvement, price-wise. Fortunately, there are tons of great deals to be had out there right now, so compiling this list of truly chic accessories on a budget proved to be easier than I thought!

Lauren Ralph Lauren "Victor" Ruffled Gloves, $24.50: Girly and soft, these pretty, ruffly gloves take the edge off the bleakest winter day.

Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Bracelet, $20 each: Rock and roll and refined at the same time, these highly stackable bracelets lend a much-needed edge to this season's ruffles and frills.

Precious Pear Earring, $19.99: Banana Republic is a great source for costume jewelry, and these stunners are one reason why. They manage to be current and classic, all at the same time.

Rectangle Jeweled Clutch, $23.20: This jewel-encrusted bag is an instant evening update. It looks like a million bucks, but costs considerably less!

Pearlized Flower Ring, $3.80: Forever21 has dozens of affordable options, and this chic floral ring looks just like the more expensive enameled versions.

Urban Renewal Vintage English Garden Necklace, $18: Feminine, yet with a hip, artsy appeal.

Silver Pink Rhinestone Chain Link Necklace, $8.99: If you can get passed the posing Playmates, amiclubwear.com is packed with fun, trendy items at unbeatable prices. This necklace is a great example. And right now they're offering free shipping on orders over $50.

Black Suede Over the Knee Boots, $19.99: Feel like trying a pair of trendy, over the knee boots without making a huge investment? These amazingly affordable boots are up-to-date and so affordable.

Ruched Striped Scarf, $12.50: Cool and dramatic, this cool scarf adds a dash of color to your basic cashmere crew.

Sequin Hard Case Bag, $10: Not exactly a Judith Leiber minaudiere, but its zillions of dollars cheaper and still supersparkly.

Great Gifts for Yourself, Under $50

So, in response to Anonymous' very welcome feedback, here are some fun, equally chic yet budget-friendly ideas, so you can treat yourself (or a friend!) without breaking the bank. And since most of these items are just under the mark, price-wise, tomorrow I will be featuring items that come in under $25! I hope you enjoy these lists as much as I enjoyed researching them!

Bedecked Brooch Necklace, $48: Anthropologie has more than twenty-five necklaces under $50, so there is something for almost every girl, but I love this one for its girliness and sheer impact, and the fact that it looks so much more expensive than it is!

Jeweled Headband, $26.50: Classic with a twist, this jeweled black headband easily updates any Jackie-O-inspired ensemble!

Ribbon Teardrop Choker, about $39.50: Loft is offering 40% off everything with code HOLIDAY, which brings this amazing necklace in at under $40. Not your thing? They have several other stunners.

Jessica McClintock Sequin Clutch, $42.99: A lot of dazzle for a little dough. : ) This bag brightens up the most basic black ensemble!

Zigzag Zipper Clutch, around $42: J. Crew has an extra 30% off sale items, which brings this of-the-moment clutch in under budget. And the designer-inspired details make it look like you paid so much more!

Feather Collar, $48: This black feathered collar makes a dramatic statement. Try pairing it with your most boring cardigan or a prim little shift.

Deena & Ozzy Sequin Stretch Belt, $28: This sparkly gold waist-cincher will turn that black sweaterdress into a style statement.

Beaded Trim Wrap, $47.99: Toss this filmy wrap over your shoulders for a little warmth and a lot of glamour.

Juicy Couture Floral Cluster Ring, $43.68: Girly and ultra-glamorous, this oversized ring will steal the show in a very ladylike way.

Aqua "Zoe" Plaid Scarf, $38.40: Trendy and tailored at the same time, this colorful scarf will brighten a winter day.

Kate Spade "Pave the Way" Large Ring, $53.20: Just over budget, but a real showstopper, this fabulous ring works with your entire wardrobe, from that LBD to a sweater and jeans.

Gifts for Yourself: Fun, Fabulous Accessories

In the spirit of the last couple of days, when I've turned the tables and put the focus on busy Beautymommies everywhere, here are some ideas for fanciful gifts you can buy for yourself!

Soft Petal Necklace, $119: Unapologetically feminine, this floral fabric collar will transform your LBD.

Bunny Necklace, starting at $59.95: Chic mom jewelry is getting easier to find, and Red Envelope has some intriguing options. This necklace features a mama bunny with her babies, and is so playful and sweet.

Anything From Free People's Vintage Loves collection: A flawless curated selection of vintage items, from bags to belts to jewelry, is available on Free People's site. I love this 1920s metal mesh bag, $282.

Sibilia Chain Bracelet, $118: I love this weighty, artful mix of chains, joined together in a single bracelet.

Fresh Delivery Clutch, $268, or Siren Flower Clutch, $188: I couldn't decide which of these insanely gorgeous, girly handbags I liked the best, so I decided to feature them both. Either would instantly turn any look from boring to beautiful.

Sculptural Flower Scarf, $145, and Hat, $98: Artist Ariane Lespire designs these warm, wonderful wine-colored accessories, handcrafted in Belgium of Italian wool.

Erickson Beamon Rhinestone Reef Necklace, $858: Yes, it's expensive, but look at it. Just look at it! Sigh. Maybe you'll get lucky and Santa will leave it in your stocking...

Five Great Dresses, Five Great Tunics, Five Essential Accessories

So, since the focus is on you for the next few days (and it's okay to admit that you deserve it!), here is my list of stylish finds to get you through the next couple of weeks of festivities. No matter what your budget, you'll find something on this list that will round out your holiday wardrobe!

Five Dresses

Sequin Fleur Dress, $498: Pricey, yes, but timeless and universally flattering. No jewelry required. 

Shimmering Spot Dress, $158: Elegant, festive, yet remarkably comfortable.

Holly One Shoulder Dress, $150: Black, yes. Boring, never.

Samhain Dress, $258: Subtle metallic shine with a classic silhouette.

All Over Lace Pleated Bust Tube Dress, $20: Yes, $20! This timeless silhouette and rich-looking fabric make this dress seem much more expensive than it is!

Five Tunics

Silver Jacquard Dress, $111: Yes, you can wear this as a dress, but I love it as a tunic with shiny black leggings and high, high booties.

Sequin Tunic Tank, $20: Big sparkle, small price.

Beaded Drawstring Tunic, $99: A filmy fabric and beaded details make this top special.

Tiered Tunic Shell, around $30: I haven't done the math, but this fluttery, fun tunic is now 40% off the regular price of $59.50.

Sequins Silk Top, $149: Not exactly a tunic, but so fabulous I couldn't resist!

How to Shine This Christmas

Some of my friends seem to think that, because I write about fashion and read about fashion, that I never experience a fashion emergency. Often, my own wardrobe is the last thing I think about, especially during this busy holiday season. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in my own closet, frantically trying to find an outfit that would work for my own Christmas party, when I heard the door bell ring announcing the arrival of the first guest. As I scrambled to pull an outfit together, I wondered how I had wound up in this situation. Fortunately, I was able to pull something together. What I am discovering, through a series of unfortunate fashion blunders, is that often the easiest solutions are also the most elegant, and the most affordable. So here, just in time for the weekend, is my list of fail-safe fashion fallbacks:
1. Stock Up and Save: Yes, I'm talking dresses here, and not canned soup. My strategy, and one that has always saved me, is to buy dresses I love when I find them, even if I have no occasion in mind. For example, Kevin and I were recently outlet shopping during Thanksgiving vacation, while my in-laws took the girls to a circus, and I bought a handful of dresses that I adore at amazing prices. Running out to buy a dress for a specific event almost always spells trouble, in my mind. You settle for something that you don't adore at a price you can't afford. After all, an amazing dress can be hard to find, so when I do find one, and especially if it's on sale, I always buy it. And I always end up having the perfect occasion to wear it. Another point: I am a firm believer that you should spend most of your money on clothes you wear the most often. That's why you'll find my wardrobe filled with high-quality casual clothes and fewer expensive evening gowns. It just makes more sense for my lifestyle.
2. Find a Fabulous Top: A gorgeous, tunic-length top with a bold color or beautiful sparkle and sequins (so easy to find this season in every price range) is a great backup plan. Pair it with the bottoms of your choice (skinny black pants, jeans, a pencil skirt, even a black pantsuit) and great heels and you're out the door dressed for all but the most formal occasions.
3. Invest in Accessories: Right now I am in the market for a great, neutral-but-statement-making necklace to wear with almost everything this season. It's a gap in my wardrobe that I am trying to fill, because the right necklace, bag, and pair of shoes can upgrade everythign you are wearing. Recently, an adorably pregnant friend of mine turned up at a baby shower dressed simply in black stretch pants, a white knit top and a cardigan, but the perfectly placed addition of a layered-look necklace took the whole outfit from basic to beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes off of it, and asked her where she got it. The answer was Banana Republic, an affordable, not-so-obvious choice for costume jewelry. And I bought a cool, current pair of black scrunch high heeled booties from Cynthia Rowley. I wear them almost constantly - they are my go-to shoe this winter, and they make everything I own look hipper, fresher and more fashionable. But a few great accessories every season and wear them to pieces. They will become your trademarks.
Tomorrow, specific options you can buy right away to take you through the rest of the season!

Last Minute Hostess Gifts

There's no reason to show up at your next shindig empty-handed when one of these easy gifts will make any hostess happy.

Tumblers to Go, $49: Colorful and convenient, these double walled, straw-topped tumblers allow her to taker her favorite beverage on the road.

Old-Fashioned Aluminum Serveware, $14.95-19.95: These cool, retro pieces are colorful, quirky, and keep drinks and desserts ice cold.

Spoon Coffee Mugs, $3.95 each: Modern and highly functional, these mugs offer a convenient place to park your spoon, which is included.

Vintage Knob Bottle Stoppers, $29-49 each: Decorative and functional, these gorgeous bottle stoppers turn an ordinary bottle of wine into art.

Cheers Wine Glasses, $19.95/set of 6: A great set at a great price, these ultramodern glasses feature the word "cheers" in half a dozen languages.

Elf Candleholders, $5.95 each: These cheery red elves make the cutest, quirkiest candleholders ever.

Santa Drink Bowl and Ladle, $39: This friendly Santa serves up her favorite punch in vintage style.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List

Still have a few names to check off on your list? This list of sure-things will help you sail through those last few names with style. And fortunately, it's not too late to do most of the shopping online!

For The Sweet Tooth - CandyMan Motion Activated Candy Dispenser, $39.95: Colorful and crowd-pleasing, this touch-free treat dispenser is sure to appeal to any kid, or simply the kid-at-heart.

For the Funny Guy - Crumpled Cups, $35/set of 3: Fine porcelain cups designed to look like their crumpled paper cousins. A witty gift for someone with a sense of humor!

For the Jane Austen Lover - The Jane Austen Collectible Audios, $42.95: The complete collection of beloved novels read by some of England's best actresses. Or give her Penguin's reissued version of Pride and Prejudice, complete with illustrations by the very stylish Ruben Toledo.

For the Chocoholic - Chocolate Candles, $39: Give the chocolate lover in your life a guilt-free way to indulge with these amazingly realistic, sweet-smelling candles in a candy box. Or give the real thing with these stylish, decorative truffles from MarieBelle, $45-60 for a box. Or go for old-fashioned flair with a vintage trunk filled with 64 small squares of perfect dark chocolate by Chapon, $85.

For the Owl Enthusiast -Owl Teapot and Mugs, $49.95: Yes, owls are trendy, but they are also fun, feathered friends that make great conversation pieces. This tea set is a real hoot. (Sorry!) Or perhaps they would lvoe this ceramic owl garden stool, $99.95 or this river rock owl, $29.95. Young owl-lovers will love this Owl Purse, $19.98, and coin purse, $12.98.

For the Alice In Wonderland Fan - Madame Alexander Alice In Wonderland Doll and Pop Up Book, $26.99-$59.95: This incredibly illustrated version of the current-yet-classic tale is rendered in amazing pop-up detail, and the doll makes a charming addition. Or perhaps they'd love this Alice in Wonderland cookie cutter set by ArtGirl, $65, this high quality woodcut puzzle, $98, or one of these gorgeous pillows, $98 each.

For the Francophile - Eiffel Tower Doorstop, $19: Decorative, practical and affordable, this cute accent will add French flair to any home. Or perhaps you'll like this heftier version more, $29. Or she might love these Eiffel Tower tapestry bags, $75-298, this cool Eiffel Tower clock, these salt and pepper shakers, this Parisian bureau tray, $34, this Paris Santa ornament, $35. My favorite, though, is this City of Paris Motto Plaque, $39.95, which translated means: "Tossed by the waves, she does not sink."

For the Anglophile - Anything from Cath Kidston: Appeal to the wanna-be Brit on your list with the Best of British collection from Kidston, which includes such stylish souvenirs as a London mug, a hankie, a key ring, a cluster necklace, London playing cards, and this adorable Post Box Pencil Sharpener, $7. Or perhaps he/she will love something with that very British, currently trendy catchphrase: "Keep calm and carry on."