Love This

{Via Cote De Texas}

This is quite possibly the closet image I've found to date that best displays my image of a dream house. The amazing attention to architectural detail, the beautiful dark herringbone floors, those windows...it's just so breathtaking!

Take The Cake

{Birthday cake- chocolate cake with vanilla frosting}

My husband is quite the chocolate cake connoisseur and this cake has become his all time favoritie. Give this recipe (from my girl Ina) a try if you too have a special place in your belly for something chocolatey! It's fantastic.

Moms, Go Get The Kleenex

{Amazing photo by: Jessica Claire}

I usually don't like to take too many posts from other people's blogs, but I just had to share these lovely ones from one of my favorite mothers in all of Blogland, Design Mom.

lindsey johnsons thoughts on pregnancy

karen walronds childbirth memory

stephanie brubakers pregnancy memory

amy turn sharps pregnancy advice

Many congrats to her and her family (they are expecting a new addition)!

6 Months

{Gray with his Nana Labor Day Weekend, Block Island RI}

Six months ago today my life changed forever. Words can't express how much I adore this munchkin.

The poor little guy is sick with the first cold of his little life and we've both been laying low. I'm slowly getting used to the idea of wiping boogers from his nose as well as off my shoulders, my hands and from pretty much every surface he comes into contact with right now. Who knew that babies don't know how to blow their noses? That's just one of the many things I never thought about before I had a little one.

My Mid-Century Modern Fantasy

While perusing real estate listings in areas near mine, I stumbled upon this tiny, mid-century modern beauty in New Canaan, CT.

Designed by the famous Philip Johnson it is coined as his "livable Glass House". At only approximately 1800 square feet, many would question it's livablity during this day and age of the more square footage the better.

Check out these links to learn more about this home:

Real Estate Listing

Modern Homes Survey - Ball House

I couldn't help imagine what it would be like to live in such a distinctive little house.

The clean lines, the white walls, the connection to the outdoors, all look so chic and cool.

Here is a photo with the previous renters furnishings (I'm assuming).

This is the same room pictured above but seems to have been staged a bit better for the real estate listing.

I could definitely get used to a small bedroom like this!

This lounge area is quite sophisticated.

Love those windows and the way the stone flooring is continues to the patio.

A nice foyer vignette.

{not the same house, but another CT mid-century home courtesy of Metropolitan Home}

Now let's pretend I shelled out the 2.9 million dollars for this baby, I would probably add about 1,000 square feet to the original building (gasp!) in keeping with the original architecture (of course).

{Metropolitan Home}

These are a few images that I would use as decor inspiration...rooms that pay homage to mid-century modern design without being dated.

{Metropolitan Home - Trina Turk's Home}

{Brown Design Inc.}

{Brown Design Inc.}

{Brown Design Inc.}

{Brown Design Inc.}

Not exactly MCM, but a striking vignette suitable for such a house, in my opinion.

{Brown Design Inc.}

It's fun to fantasy house shop, isn't it?

Having A Kick Azz Summer

Did any of you out there write "have a kick ass summer" in your high school year books? No? Well, this big nerd did thinking it was the cool thing to say to all of my buddies. Wow, well that's exactly what I've been having the past month or so. Seriously, this summer has kicked MY ass. It's been a hoot and a half, but has left me with absolutely no time to devote to my sad, little blog!

I've made some lifestyle changes...I've been working out with a personal trainer twice a week. I've broken up with cheese, red meat and ice cream in order to try to lose the baby weight I've been carrying for the past five months. I don't think I can get away with saying "well, I JUST had a baby" any longer. So, I'm shooting to lose 20 pounds. I've lost 3 so far. It's a (slow) start.

Ok, so I didn't completely break up with cheese. I'm still seeing Mozzarella on the side, but only until tomato season is over. Man, I love this time of year...the tomatoes, the corn, the berries...I'm in food heaven!

I'm also starting to take on some new design projects which I will definitely share with you all once they are completed. I'm so excited to get my design modjo back after the baby hiatus. It feels great to be creative again.

I hope you all are having a "kick ass summer" as well and thanks for reading my humble blog!

Catching Up Over Dinner

I don't know why I've never made mussels before. I always order them when I see them on a menu, but the thought of making them at home always intimidated me. Little did I know that they are truly easy to make. I used one of Ina Garten's (I mean, who else would I go to?) recipes (found here) and they turned out fantastic. I'm definitely making them again and again. Oh, and talk about an inexpensive meal. I paired it with a nice green salad and some toasted baguette with garlic...the perfect meal, in my opinion.

This blog is really slooooooooooow lately, I'm aware and sorry. I just have my hands full with a now very energetic 4.5 month old who likes to be entertained CONSTANTLY. I know you moms of two-year-olds are thinking "ha, she hasn't seen nothin' yet". We're taking full advantage of the great weather and have been to the pool (which he surprisingly loves!) a lot. I've also started hitting the gym hardcore because I refuse to buy an entirely new wardrobe (I'm two sizes larger since having the baby). It's been 4 1/2 months and I still have 20 pounds to lose. Crap. I have some fun and hopefully useful new momma posts up my sleeve, but haven't been able to knock them out just yet. I hope to soon!

Teresa

Easy Sunday Brunch

My husband and I hosted a little brunch on Sunday for my Mother-in-law's birthday. Since having Grayson, I haven't really had the desire to entertain/cook for a large crowd because I've just been too preoccupied with all things baby. However, since he has become more "independent" lately, I'm finding myself back in the kitchen again and lovin' it! Here is what I made. All recipes are courtesy of my go-to-gal for yumminess, Ina Garten. The jam was particularly fantastic and EASY! I don't think I'm going to buy jam again now that I know I can make my own in a little over a half an hour. Seriously, give these recipes a try. They are all winners in my book!

Challah French Toast
Slow-Cooked Scrambled Eggs With Green Herbs
Maple Roasted Bacon
Easy Strawberry Jam
Buttermilk Bicuits

(I made them without the cheddar)

Fresh Fruit Platter

Mini Desserts from Di Mare Pastry Shop

Drinks:

Mimosas

Peach Belinis

Bloody Marys

Love This

Designed by Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen Blog (one of my favorite design bloggers). This master bedroom just speaks to me. All that white with pops of blue and pale green are right up my alley! Ah, and that light fixture!

:::::::drooling:::::::

Here is the adjoining master bathroom. To die for!

Check out her full post here.

Dinner And Some Mommy Talk

{lace cap hydrangea found everywhere in our neighborhood - they always remind me of fireworks}

I'm always amazed when I get an email from someone who follows this blog. Someone really reads this thing? When I started blogging, I never expected anyone to give a darn about what I had to say, not to mention putting up with my horrible grammar and spelling (sorry!).

{where our little family hung out on Sunday}

I'm so thankful for the sweet comments and advice that I receive from many of you. You have no idea how nice it is to know that I'm not alone in this adventure of motherhood.

Recently, since I've been sharing my thoughts and feelings on being a first time mom, I've been receiving many emails asking for advice, or rather just a virtual shoulder to cry on.

{Dad and Gray (great-grandmother in the background) enjoying the nice weather on Sunday}

So, I thought it might be nice to share some new mom topics here and open it up to all of you to share your experiences and advice.

{great-grandmother's garden}

So, my first topic is regarding the "baby blues". A very sweet new baby momma of a two week old wrote in asking

"...how long did your "baby blues" last?"

{great-grandparent's view}

My response:

"...mine lasted for about 3-4 weeks. It was more of random bouts of emotion rather than a full fledged depression, in my case. Must've been those darn hormones! I would be giggly and happy one minute and crying the next. In fact, I still catch myself tearing up from time to time even after four months. I say, if you feel like crying then girl, cry. I thought it felt good to get the emotions out. I think women are just so sensitive, emotionally and physically, after child birth. Just try to take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to ask people for help when you need it. No one will think less of you as a mother if you need some assistance...we all do at one point or another! My only other advice would be to keep the lines of communication open with your husband. He should know what you are feeling and that it's completely normal for women to feel this way after child birth..."

I'm obviously no psychologist, not even close, just someone sharing MY experience. So, I'd love to open this up to your comments, suggestions and experiences with the "baby blues". If you feel more comfortable sharing anonymously, please do so. In this case, it's completely appropriate. Please chime in!

And now...DINNER

Halibut with Swiss Chard and Garbanzo Beans

(courtesy of Epicurious)

My beautiful and oh-so-healthy sister-in-law, Kristin introduced me to this recipe while staying with her in NYC. She made it strickly vegetarian, but being a meat lover I decided to add some fish to the dish and served it over brown rice. It's damn good and very healthy!

Garbanzo Beans:
2 15.5-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained (about 3 cups)
10 garlic cloves, peeled
2 large shallots
3 small bay leaves, preferably fresh
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil (note: I used 3/4 cup)

(note: I added crumbled feta to the finished dish)

Chard:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed
3 small bay leaves, preferably fresh
2 shallots, sliced
2 bunches Swiss chard, center stems cut out, leaves coarsely torn
2 cups low-salt chicken broth

Garbanzo beans:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine first 5 ingredients in 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour oil over; cover dish with foil. Roast until garlic is tender, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, cover, and chill.

Chard:

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic, bay leaves, and shallots. Cover; cook until shallots are tender, about 2 minutes. Uncover; add half of chard. Toss until chard wilts and volume is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add remaining chard. Toss until chard wilts, about 2 minutes. Add broth. Cover and cook until chard is tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season chard with salt and pepper. Transfer chard mixture to large sieve set over bowl and drain. DO AHEAD: Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Drain garbanzos and reserve oil; discard bay leaves. Combine garbanzos and chard in large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons oil reserved from garbanzos. Toss over medium heat until warmed through, moistening with more oil by tablespoonfuls if needed, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

For the halibut (I didn't use a recipe):

Season with a generous amount of freshly chopped thyme, chives, lemon zest and salt and pepper. Dip the fish in flour and dust off excess. In an oven proof skillet, heat up some olive oil and pan sear the fish on both sides. Place in a 400 degree oven until fish is flaky. Easy peasy. Enjoy!