Gifts For The Mothers In Your Life

Photograph of Natalia Vodianova and her daughter, Vogue.  

I remember celebrating Mother's Day as a child - my sister, brother and I would usually go to our local mall with my dad the day before. As we left we always told my mom "we have something we have to do, but YOU can't come with us." We wanted my mom to know that we were trying to plan and do something for her for once - the woman who made sure all 3 of us had individually labeled lunches every morning, went to school with the latest Esprit bag and Guess jeans, got to dance classes and baseball games on time, who made 10:00 p.m. runs to the pharmacy for Robitussin and paint for last minute science projects, and who volunteered to lead our Girl Scout troop and pick-up half the cheerleading team for early morning practices.  
 Cut to 2013 - here I am, now a mother myself, and my mom is still taking care of me. She still answers my phone calls with "How's my baby girl?", brings me Robitussin when she hears my nasaly cough over the phone, makes sure I have the perfect dress to wear to a friend's wedding, and goes to the grocery store when she discovers my refrigerator is bare. In my new role as a mother, living a crazy, busy life, I sometimes feel like I'm responsible for it all and the term "no rest for the weary" has become my new mantra (Mothers? Am I right?) What I truly appreciate is my mom still treating me like her child and her daughter.  It's wonderful to know that she's still there to take care of me and on Sunday I'll be celebrating her. 

Telling your mother how much you love and appreciate her is always the best gift you can give, but here are a few small things to say thank you and hopefully, make her smile. 

Eva Bracelet, $67, cleobella.com.

I love this bracelet for its simplicity and pops of beautiful color. My mom wears a lot of ethnic-inspired jewelry and this piece is unique, but still incredibly chic. 

Galvanized Window Planters, $19.95-$29.95, williams-sonoma.com. 

A window box full of herbs not only adds life and color to the kitchen, it's a constant inspiration to get cooking. 

Double-Tassel Necklace, $68, jcrew.com. 

This versatile necklace will go with just about everything in my mom's closet and the tassel detail reminds me of one she had when I was a kid. 

Tavira Ceramic Platter, $31.96, crateandbarrel.com. 

For the mothers who love to entertain, this platter is perfect for serving appetizers at spring and summer parties. 

Martha Stewart's Living The Good Life, $17, amazon.com. 

Martha's latest book was just released on April 23rd and is full of tips, plans, recipes and insight into living a good, LONG, life. 

James Placemat, Set of 6, $48, pacificandrose.com. 

My mom is constantly changing her place mats and this set caught my eye when I visited Pacific and Rose's boutique at the Long Beach Flea Market last month. 

Best Mom Card, $4.50, 1canoe2 on etsy.com. 

This year, I ordered these fab cards from 1 Canoe 2 on Etsy. Aren't they perfect?! 

Have a great week and Happy Mother's Day everyone! 

The New Yorker's Page Turner

When I was a little girl, my dad took me to the used bookstore each month, one of his absolute favorite places to go. I remember staring up at the endless bookshelves of dusty and worn books and wondering what was waiting for me inside their creased jackets and rickety spines. He let me pick out any book I wanted on each of our trips and it was a place I grew to love. Little did I know back then, that he was passing on his love of books and learning on each of of our trips. Today, I've usually got two books (invariably one fiction and one self-help/find-your-destiny type) and a few magazines on my bedside table. My time for reading ebbs and flows with the daily demands of work and life, and I rarely have an opportunity to keep up with the newest releases, the most recent Pulitzer winners or Franzen's latest tome. 

Cartoon courtesy of The New Yorker. 

Enter the New Yorker's newest blog, Page-Turner, which launched Tuesday. Self-described as "Criticism, contention and conversation about books that matter," its a place where New Yorker writers talk about the books they are currently reading, review new releases, profile authors, and discuss just about anything and everything having to do with books. It's a one stop shop to find your next engaging read and these people know their books - not surprising coming from a magazine known for regularly excerpting great works before their publication. It was just such an excerpt of The Lost City of Z that lead me to one of the best non-fiction reads in recent memory. So when you turn the last page of your current novel (what is everyone reading right now???), stop by Page Turner before heading to the bookstore. Have a great weekend everyone!

Start the New Year With A Great Book - Required Reading for 2012

Time for a new year and some new books to put on your bookshelf.  Here are some books published in the later half of 2011 that I'm looking forward to delving into in 2012.

If you are a Jane Austen fan or someone who loved the film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly, you may remember that Pemberley is the estate owned by Mr. Darcy, who ends up marrying Elizabeth at the end of Austen's novel.  This new book is intended as a sequel to the original and is set in 1803. In Death Comes to Pemberly, Darcy and Elizabeth have two young sons and are expecting their third child.  On a dark and windy evening, they discover their brother-in-law drunk and bloodstained in the woods, (but still alive) alongside the dead body of his best friend, Captain Denny.  He begins to mumble something that sounds like, but may not be, a confession, and so begins the mystery of what happened and who was behind it all.  P.D. James is the author of 20 previous books and The New York Times called her "the greatest living writer of British crime fiction, and probably that genre's most talented practitioner ever."  I can't wait to delve into this murder-mystery and spend some more quality time with Mr. Darcy!

In Coco Chanel: An Intimate Portrait, a new biography of one of greatest entrepreneurs and designers to ever live, Lisa Chaney artfully chronicles Coco Chanel's journey from poverty (she was sent to an orphanage as a young girl) through her transfiguration and ascent into fashion's elite circle, including her intimate connections with Picasso, Dali, and Stravinsky.  Relying on love letters from Arthur Capel (the love of her life who helped set up her empire) which have never been seen by previous biographers, this book details surprising and fascinating facts about Coco's secret lesbian affairs, drug use, her relationship with a German lover (and possible Nazi spy) during World War II, and many never before reveled details on what made her the exceptional and complicated woman that she was.  This was one of the Christmas gifts I gave to myself and I'm looking forward to Cheny's insight into this remarkable and iconic woman.

This novel, by Haruki Murakami, was released in October to rave reviews.  Considered by most to be one of the world's greatest living novelists, Murakami's latest novel is set in 1984 Tokyo and revolves around a young girl named Aomame who begins to notice unusual discrepancies in the world around her.  What she realizes is that she had entered a parallel existence which she calls 1Q84.  The second character, Tengo, is an aspiring writer who becomes so wrapped up in a suspect ghostwriting project that his life begins to crumble around him. As their stories converge over the course of a year, the strong and intricate connections that bind them are revealed: a religious and violent cult, a recluse who runs an abused women shelter, and an unattractive private investigator are just some of the characters who run through their lives. A mystery, a love-story, and a fantasy, this novel was an instant best-seller in Japan (Murakami's home) and has been called "a tremendous feat of imagination." The New York Times said, "Murakami is like a magician who explains what he’s doing as he performs the trick and still makes you believe he has supernatural powers . . . But while anyone can tell a story that resembles a dream, it's the rare artist, like this one, who can make us feel that we are dreaming it ourselves.”

Written by the director of the British Museum, this best-selling book is an overview of human history as told through the things we have made.  From the first music, to the year people started wearing jewelry, to our domestication of cows, this book looks at 100 man-made artifacts, each which tells a story of an unexpected turning point in human civilization. A History of the World In 100 Objects begins by going back two million years to look at the first hand axe and globe-trots forward in time to looks at the objects we have made and what they say about who we are. With over 150 color photographs and surprising details, this is a must-read for anyone interested in history and is guaranteed to arm you with some great cocktail party conversation.

The Art of Fielding, set at Westish Collge on Lake Michigan, tells the story of Henry Skirmshander, a shortstop and college baseball star destined for the MLB.  But when a routine throw goes awry, his life and the lives of four other people are thrown into disarray. There is Guert Affenlight, the president of the college and a confirmed bachelor who suddenly falls hopelessly and deeply in love. Mike Schwartz, the baseball team captain who struggles with the realization he has guided Henry's career at the expense of his own, and Henry's roommate Owen Dunne who becomes involved in a dangerous love affair. As the baseball season forges towards the climactic final game, these individuals build bonds and help one another confront their deepest hopes and fears. This novel tackles ambition, friendship, love and a commitment to oneself to succeed.  Michiko Kakutani summed it up by saying, "You don't need to be a baseball fan to fall under this novel's spell, but The Art of Fielding possesses all the pleasures that an aficionado cherishes in a great classic game: odd and strangely satisfying symmetries,  unforeseen swerves of fortune, and intimations of the delicate balance between individual will and destiny that play out on the field." This is a novel both my husband and I are looking forward to.

The Art of Fielding

Set at Westish College, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Henry Skrimshander is a baseball star destined for the MLB.  But when a routine throw goes astray, it upends his and the fate of 4 other people.  Westish president Guert Affenlight who is a longtime bachelor falls helplessly in love while his daughter comes home after a failed marriage and attempts to start a new life.  Henry's gay roomate and teammate

At Westish College, a small school on the shore of Lake Michigan, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league stardom. But when a routine throw goes disastrously off course, the fates of five people are upended.

Henry's fight against self-doubt threatens to ruin his future. College president Guert Affenlight, a longtime bachelor, has fallen unexpectedly and helplessly in love. Owen Dunne, Henry's gay roommate and teammate, becomes caught up in a dangerous affair. Mike Schwartz, the Harpooners' team captain and Henry's best friend, realizes he has guided Henry's career at the expense of his own. And Pella Affenlight, Guert's daughter, returns to Westish after escaping an ill-fated marriage, determined to start a new life.

As the season counts down to its climactic final game, these five are forced to confront their deepest hopes, anxieties, and secrets. In the process they forge new bonds, and help one another find their true paths. Written with boundless intelligence and filled with the tenderness of youth, The Art of Fielding is an expansive, warmhearted novel about ambition and its limits, about family and friendship and love, and about commitment--to oneself and to others.

The Tiger's Wife

Nurture Yourself - My Christmas Wish List

Photograph by Francesco Lagnese

Everyone in my family has been asking me to email them some gift ideas and I just haven't had the time to sit down and think about what I really want or need.  Honestly, I don't NEED anything - I've got a roof over my head, food to eat, a healthy and happy child, an incredible husband, and wonderful friends and family.  I'm pretty much set with that, but there are a few things I've been eyeing over the last year or so.  Here are some of the things at the top of my list.

Clockwise from top left: Gold Dipped Necklace, $27.99; Gold Dipped Earrings, $15.99, Large Geo Pendant Necklaces, $23.99, Hot Red Geo Earrings, $13.99, all A Merry Mishap. 

There are more wonderful jewelry designers on Etsy than just about anywhere else on the web and I recently discovered A Merry Mishap and fell in love with Jennifer's pieces.  They are at once unique, a little edgy, industrial, and perfect for everyday wear.  My favorite pieces are the gold dipped earrings and necklaces and the large geo pendants.  She's sold out of a lot of pieces during the holidays, so if you don't see something in the right color or style, just shoot her a quick email and she will be happy to make it for you.

Butterflies Square Silk Scarf, $42, Pretty Penny Designs. 

When I saw this vibrant blue scarf by Pretty Penny Scarves, I immediately put it on my list.  Designer Kelly Massey is so talented at designing wearable and chic scarves.  During the summer, I almost never go to the beach without a scarf or hat on and in the winter, they look beautiful poking out from under a coat.

My one practical gift - Soniccare Air Floss, $79.99. 

I'm the first to admit that I'm TERRIBLE at flossing and always have been - I've just never really been able to get the hang of it.  I'm proud to say that despite that I've still never had a cavity, but I know I'm pushing my luck.  Phillips must have had me in mind when they invented the Soniccare Air Floss, which delivers droplets of air and water to remove plaque between teeth and is much gentler on your gums.  Now I can actually follow through with a new year's resolution that seems to be on my list again and again - flossing 2 times a day!

Oil on Canvas, 48 x 24, $400, by Jennifer Ramos. 

My husband and I are on a constant search for affordable original art work and although we've seen hundreds of wonderful pieces in the galleries we've visited, everything we love is always WAY out of our budget.  I can't tell you how blown-away I was when I discovered that Made By Girl Blogger and shop owner Jen Ramos had started selling her original paintings on her website Cocoa And Hearts.  She counts Twombly, Pollock and Rothko as some of favorite artists and its evident they have influenced her work.  I'd love one of her large paintings (all of which are around $400), but you can start your collection with a smaller 10 x 8 canvas ($95) like the one below.

Oil on Canvas, 10 x 8, $95, by Jennifer Ramos. 

A Perfectly Kept Home Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life, Mary Randolph Carter,  $34.65, amazon.com.

I've been wanting this book since it came out last year, but I still don't have it! First off, the title is one of my favorites in recent memory- A Perfectly Kept Home Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life. Written by Mary Randolph Carter, the wonderfully stylish and eclectic VP of advertising at Ralph Lauren, this book explores how tastemakers (i.e. fashion designers, photographers, writers and artists) marry their lives and interiors to live with their passions.  One of her many pieces of advice is to "make room for what you love," something I think is a wonderful start for anyone working on redesigning their home.  Your house should be a reflection of who you are, who your family is, and what you all love!  She's a truly inspiring lady and I'm hoping to have this book under the tree this year!

Suede Flats, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $195, Madewell.com

As much as I still love my 4 inch heels, chasing a toddler has made me rethink my everyday footwear and my collection of flats is beginning to grow by the year.  These flats are versatile enough to wear with jeans or a dress and the front cutaway design reminds me a little of I Dream of Jeanie - in a good way!

Nurture Yourself - The Happiness Makeover

My brother is constantly emailing me recommended reading, links to news articles and enlightening podcasts.  Usually it goes in one ear and out the other, but for several months, he kept bringing up The Happiness Makeover by M.J. Ryan.  Finally, on a visit to my house, he left me a copy to read.  The cutesy cover scared me and it honestly didn't look that legit, but it is one of the best books I've read in a long time!  It made me really stop and think about how I was living my crazy, frenetic life, trying to juggle 100 things at once. Some of the things that really hit home for me included considering whether we motivate ourselves through discontent, that there is nothing bad about getting your hopes up, the problem with perfectionism, figuring out what really matters to you, finding ways to enjoy your work, and comparing yourself to everyone else (aka Keeping up with the Jones). The chapters are short (about 3 -5 pages each) and the end of the book has a great little section called "22 instant happiness boosters."  Keep this by your bedside and I guarantee taking 10 minutes to read it every night will give you wonderful insight into our shared journey to lead a happy, fulfilling life.