National S'mores Day 2014

I know, I know, enough with these "National" blah-blah-blah days, Lucy. I agree. But the thing is, of the likes of Lucy, s'mores hold an honored place somewhere among the Top 10. So how could I let this holiday pass without musing on some chocolate-graham-marshmallow combinations?

S'mores have popped up in this blog a few times before, both HERE and HERE (as I mentioned, Top 10!), but there is always room for some more s'mores.

Ever have trouble finding a good roasting stick? These would solve that problem, and you could then prove you take your s'moring seriously.

Marshmallow Twig Roaster - Terrain

No campfire? No need! With this handy tool, you can grill to desired gooeyness.

S'more to Love STL-611 6-S'more Maker

No grill either? How about this still smokey, yet sans-fire version? I'm seeing the very impressed dinner party guests already.

Smoked S'mores in a Jar - Oh Joy! (photo: Oh Joy!)

Or if you are on the go...

S'mores Cookies - Downtown Cookie Co.

You never want to get too stagnant with your s'more recipe. How about transitioning the summer treat into fall by adding a sweet squash pudding?

Buttercup Marshmallow S'mores - Amy Thielen

If I had kids, they'd definitely own this. Heck, I think I want one.

The S'more the Merrier Campfire Set - The Land of Nod

Not so much with the s'more soap.

Toasty S'more Soap - ajsweetsoap - Etsy

Just so you know, I did not seek out s'more soap (mainly because I'm pretty sure I'd try to eat it even knowing it was soap.) It happened to be the main result of a Google search for s'mores. Who knew?

I will be adding all of THESE restaurants/resorts to my Travel To GoGo Pinterest board. At the top of the list will be The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe - where they have a marshmologist (I did not make up that word.) Instead of tea time, every afternoon, a s'mores smorgasbord (say that three times fast) is set out by the fire, complete with the marshmallow flavor of the day.

Ritz-Carlton - Lake Tahoe

Say, how do you become a marshmologist? I'm thinking of a career change...

I'm not really one for birthday surprises. It might be because most surprises I've had haven't been the fun kind...BUT if you were to surprise me, it better include either dogs, swimming, or s'mores. This backyard s'mores birthday party is one of the happiest things I can imagine (unless you added the dogs and the swimming into the mix). And what a great excuse to have birthday marshmallows!

Birthday Cake Marshmallows with Sprinkles - The Kitchn

I'm going to head out now to purchase s'mores fixins for tonight. A stovetop will have to be my flame of choice (maybe post-Supermoon viewing?), but if you have access to an actual fire - devour a slightly charred s'more for me, will you?

Sunday Morning in Linden Hills

Opening your mailbox to find mail that isn't a bill, take-out flyer, or a 100 pound Restoration Hardware catalog is the BEST. It makes you feel special, cared for, and young again (when we knew not of the inter-webs). As much as a Facebook birthday is quantifiably fun (look how many "friends" I have!!) - admit it - it means more when you get a real live card sent by post. 

But finding a card that is worthy of a postage stamp is not the easiest task these days. They tend to be insulting, humorless, and filled with cliches. That's why I pretty much bought out the store when I came across Bald Guy Greetings.

Warning: These greetings may not be the best choice for dear Grammy Rose or crazy Uncle Harry. They can be a bit sardonic and low on sentiment - but they are funny - for the right person. 

It was no surprise that we stumbled upon these LOL-cards in a charming store in a charming section of Minneapolis called Linden Hills, a few blocks away from the charming Lake Harriet.
Honeyshine is a shop where curiosity is required. They carry a range of nifty gifty products ranging from to gem-like balancing blocks to...

 ...mugs that give some sass to the start of your day.

Since you are already in the neighborhood, wander next door to Wild Rumpus - a children's bookstore chock-full of imaginative stories and a menagerie of live animals. There is even a pint sized door for the coming and going of pint sized people.

After making sure you give a pet to Mr. Skeeter (followed by a good slathering of Purell), head a few more doors over to Tilia, the fabulous Chef Steven Brown's take on a neighborhood brasserie.

If it happens to be brunch o'clock, don't miss the smattered hash browns, yogurt creme brûlée, and house made iced chai.

But I promise it won't be easy to pick just one dish.

To walk off the decadence, stroll around the always-classic Lake Harriet, perhaps catching a concert at the bandshell or just staring out at the water, selecting which sailboat you would own.

photos: Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board

A little shopping, a little nature, a lot of food. Day complete.

Marbled

New blog alert!

Marbled

I wish there was a way to be compensated for reading blogs. All the blogs. I love them so...and even more than so when I happen to know the blogger is an A+ human being.

My friend Shazia is the mind and voice behind the new blog Marbled, which focuses on "blending backgrounds, cultures and interests into a family".

Shaz and I became dear friends our freshman year of high school. We had previously been involved in music and theatre together, but it wasn't until a fated 3+ hour laugh-filled phone call that first week of 9th grade that I knew this gal was in my life forever.

Decades (gulp!) later, our paths crossed again, this time amongst the concrete and taxi horns, when Shazia and her husband, Jeff, made the move to the big bad apple for her fellowship. Although we lived on opposite ends of Manhattan, we were able to catch up on bits and pieces of life. One of the most important bits and pieces is their daughter Yazmeen, who I was lucky enough to babysit for a summer.

The blog begins as they depart the skyscrapers of Manhattan for a move to the beaches of Florida, with an extended trip to paradise in between.

Their life is truly a swirl of cultures, careers, talents, backgrounds, and passions.

Follow Shazia, Jeff, and Yazi as they create a well-mixed journey, full of all the flavor, texture, and color that you'd expect from a marbled life.

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

Ah, that age-old question. It's OK if you haven't figured it out yet. If you need some ideas, check out the answers given below by New York City students. 

Nursery
Malia: A teacher
Alexander: A scientist
Alexa: A princess
Rosalee: A superhero
Kaitlin: A doctor
Julia: A teacher
Milly: A teacher
Dylan: A smoothie maker
Pia: A ballerina
Victor: A train driver
Ella: A doctor
Ria: A teacher
Eliza: A doctor for animals
Alexandra: A construction worker
Elizabeth: Santa
Molly: A doctor
Sophia: A doctor
Ava: A teacher
Kristin: A doctor
Cameryn: A pirate
Ingrid: A mommy
Maggie: A fairy

Pre-K
Nicky: I want to be a magician because I want to disappear.
Salvatore: I want to be a superhero because I want to fly.
Zoe: I want to be a singer when I grow up.
Charlotte: I want to be a painter.
Kate: I want to be a dancer when I grow up.
Katie: I want to give pets to everyone.
Elena: I want to be a ballerina and a princess, but a princess more.
Alexia: I want to be an artist.
Michael: I would like to take care of animals.
Skye: I would like to be a ballet dancer.
Piper: I would like to be a vet and take care of animals.
Danica: I want to surf!
Charlotte: I want to be a doctor that takes care of doggies.
Athena: I would like to be a volleyball coach.
Moni: I want to be a rock star and work in a hair salon.
Lucas: I would like to be a dinosaur because I love dinosaurs.
Blair: I would like to be a veterinarian.
Avery: I want to be a hairdresser and a manicurist. I also want to be a babysitter.
Nehcopee: I want to ride a horse.
Julia: I want to be a rock star because I like to sing songs.
Chloe: I would like to be a mommy when I grow up because I like taking care of kids.
Marianna: I want to be a ballerina.
Cassidy: I would like to be a face painter.
Eliana: I would like to knit clothes for everyone, including poor people.
Ava: I would like to ride horses when I grow up.
Lily: I would like to be a face painter and a mommy.
Abigail: I want to train horses.
Cyra: I would like to be a rock star, a teacher, and a mommy.

I mean, someone's gotta be Santa. Right?

I don't recall what I used to say as a tike that I wanted to be, but I do remember telling my parents over and over again that I was going to build/live in a 52 story building and that they could live on the 52nd floor. The offer still stands, M&P!

What did you want to be "when you grew up"? Did it happen?

When A Rainbow is Needed

When the past month has been blustery, dreary, and dark, a touch of rainbow is needed.

Nidelva Storage Tins - IKEA

Rainbow Highlights - CB2

Dorothy Bubble Bar - LUSH

Kantha Coverlet & Shams - West Elm

Rainbow Umbrella - Amazon

Rainbow or Shine Earrings - Modcloth

Multicolor Stacking Mugs - World Market

Socks with Rainbow Design - ASOS

JoJo Maman Bebe Rainbow Bunting - Casa.com

Pantone Folding Chairs - Urban Outfitters

               photo: http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/

Rainbow Cupcakes - The Girl Who Ate Everything

Hope there is a little more ROYGBIV in your day to day winter.

Tutu Envy

Sometimes I wish that children's clothes came in my size. I would totally rock this sweater cape/tutu/slouchy boots combo:

Il Gufo

I mean, life would just be better with a tutu. Ah well...back to the sensible shoes and machine washable yoga pants.

 

LEG-HOs

I can't take credit for the post title - my friend Jasmin brilliantly came up with the new brand name for LEGOs. LEGOs such as this shady lady that I discovered today:

Jersey Shore LEGO

I mean, really? Safety pins on her hot pink denim? A tight strapless belly shirt? Multiple chain necklaces? Shame on you, LEGOs! :)

If anyone knows what theme this LEGO actually comes from, I'd love to be informed..

What's Up, Doc?

I have so much to say, but taxes are calling.

So instead, I will leave you with this:

Carrot Dresser - Straight Line Designs

Yes, that is a carrot dresser. On sale for $3,600. The on sale $3,600 carrot dresser is not a Like of Lucy but the fact that someone thought this was a great idea is. I also love the posed children being paid to act like they would be really thrilled to receive such a piece of furniture. I don't think I ever knew a child to have a veggie themed bedroom.

P.S. Looking for more bloggage and disappointed with my lame carrot dresser post (would you have preferred a brussels sprout ottoman)? Then look to your right and get hooked on one of the fantabulous blogs listed. I guarantee inspiration and humor from each one. Plus, I bet they've done their taxes.

Mini Martha

This is such a great idea for a wee one:

via Giggleberry Creations; the blog

This mini me kitchen originated from this:

I loved my play kitchen as a child.

Image found HERE

I made many a delicious pancake breakfast and washed numerous dishes in that green & white made-in-China plastic world of domesticity. But how cool to engineer your own design and recycle a dated piece of furniture? I have to say, I know a lot of New Yorkers who would kill for that kiddie kitchen. Afterall, it is far more equipped and massive than most city kitchens.

I Wuv Baby Talk!

The post title comes from a favorite episode of Modern Family, which I love - er, I mean wuv. Watch it.

Modern Family - ABC

Back to babies...

Lady Falcon Designs

Through my personal assistant work, I was introduced to an adorable product line for wee ones - Lady Falcon Designs. With many friends expanding their families, I quickly snatched up some of these one-of-a-kind gifts.

Valerie will work with you to create a special, personalized, and handcrafted gift that is within your budget. There are many fabrics to choose from and she has a talent of coordinating patterns and colors. There are onesies, tees, burp cloths, baby boxers and bloomers, that can be combined any which way. Just a few examples of her sweet and lovely work...

Burp cloth, onesie and boxer or bloomer set:

Who knew burp cloths could be so stylish?

Onesies celebrating each month of baby's first year:

 Other themes can be incorporated into onesies, bloomers, and boxers, all with customized fabrics and colors. I'm partial to Manhattan, of course...

Oh, and each uniquely designed gift comes in a keepsake mini-suitcase. So cute.

Based out of NYC, Valerie is happy to ship to wherever need be and she is extremely pleasant to work with. Check out her work!