what i love about mondays

What I love about Mondays?  Okay, not much.   But one of my personal goals at the moment is to feel more grateful, complain less, and generally be a more positive me.  So with that sentiment in mind, here are a five things that are making me happy on my least favorite day of the week:

1.  Boston Strong.  My limited edition Boston Strong bracelet arrived in the mail from Rue La La!  As a born and bred Boston girl, pride in my home town runs deep my blood.  Last year, after the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon, Boston Strong took on new meaning for me--and the rest of this amazing city.  I was beyond excited when Rue La La (a Boston business, if you didn't know!) announced their partnership with Alex and Ani for this limited edition bracelet.  100% of the net proceeds from sales of this bracelet support the One Fund Boston.  Tough.  Proud.  Strong.  Love love love.

2.  Eat cookies for breakfast.  So what if another personal goal is to lose 5 pounds and tone my abs for beach season?  This chocolate oatmeal raisin cookie recipe from my girl Martha was too tempting to resist.  Harper and I baked yesterday afternoon, and we added a twist on the recipe by mixing butterscotch, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate chips into the batter instead of plain old semisweet.  I mean, you gotta live a little, am I right?  Which is why I also feel that it is okay to eat a cookie for breakfast.  Or four.

3.  Remember where you come from.  With Mother's Day approaching, my mother and the many women who inspire me have been on my mind.  My grandmother, who will turn 93 later this month, is one of the most amazing women I have ever known.  The things she has seen and done during her lifetime are enough to take your breath away.  Her example helps me realize that I have a long way to go, and I hope I can make the journey with the same grace, poise, and tenacity that she has.  She recently shared this photograph with me (she is the little girl in the center holding that precious little dog), and I fell in love with the snapshot of her life--and America--at a different time.

4.  I dream of Louis.  Earlier this year, when I had just returned to work after having my sweet baby boy, I was having a difficult time juggling the demands of work and home--and also trying to avoid feeling like a hot mess.  One of my coworkers challenged me to do something just for me--to settle on a goal I could work towards over time.  For some, this could be something heroic like trying to change the world.  But as a firm believer in and subscriber of retail therapy, this meant starting a bag fund.  So now I stuff wads of cash under my mattress and dream of Louis Vuitton.  Just kidding!!!  But I am saving my money instead of falling prey to little purchases here and there, in hopes that I will be able to buy myself a fabulous new handbag by the end of the year.  It is an exercising in saving, willpower, and--best of all--fashion.  I'm visualizing a classy future like this:

Of course, my reality will probably look more like this:

But a fabulous bag makes everything look good, right?  That's what I'm banking on.  

Have a great week, friends!

the summer report

Happy 30th birthday to me!
And goodbye to summer...

With Labor Day now behind us, as far as my calendar is concerned, summer is over.  True, the autumnal equinox isn't for a few more weeks, but doesn't it just feel like fall?  And with that sentiment in mind, it's time for me to disclose the outcome of my summer to-do list...
  

1.  Reread The Great Gatsby (my favorite summer book) 

Done!  No matter how many times I reread this story, I love it all over again.  It is always makes me feel a little nostalgic, perhaps because I was in high school when I read it for the very first time, and I can't help but feel reminded of the passage of time--which is, of course, is a central theme in the novel.  The tale of Nick, Daisy, and Gatsby is yet tragic, yet beautiful, and it will always remain my favorite summer book.

2.  Finally complete Harper's baby book

Speaking of the passage of time...  It was quite something to relive the first year of Harper's life through photographs, as a story in pictures--particularly, as we approach the arrival of her baby brother--and shortly thereafter, her second birthday.The finished baby book is simple, but I'm so happy with how it turned out and to have the ability to look back through something tangible, rather than scrolling through the photos on my iPhone.    

3.  Make s'mores around an outdoor fire

Done--and yum!

4.  Redo my bedroom décor

While I sincerely wish I could say that this task was completed in its entirety, it remains a work-in-progress.  However, I still feel excited about the progress being made.  My devoted husband is hard at work on our space-saving bed, and the rest of the room will come together around this central piece.  It was my hope (okay, demand) that all of this be finished before the arrival of our baby in a couple of weeks.  Alas, the bed will be completed by this time (demand), but the full redo will likely continue on well into the fall.  Isn't that just the nature of home projects--particularly when the demanding one is too pregnant to do much about it!  Shrug.

5.  Explore a New England beach I haven't been to before

My amazing friends helped me check this one off the list with the incredible beach day they planned in honor of my birthday.  And this wasn't your run-of-the-mill tote bag and towel beach experience either.  Rather, my kind and creative friends created a luxe cabana area for us to lounge for lunch, including the fixings for beach-inspired mocktails, homemade lobster rolls, and lots of time for gossip and conversation.  After a few hours in the sun, we showered, changed and dashed off  for birthday cupcakes and shopping in the quaint, seaside town where my darling friend, T, lives with her boyfriend.  And I even bought a jacket for fall!  Perfection.

6.  Finally have a picnic with my amazing cousin before she moves 

Technically, this is a FAIL--and now she is gone (tear).  But what we lacked in picnic time, we made up for with a fun, family walk to our local ice cream parlor on the night before she left town.  What better way to say, not goodbye, but see you later?

7.  Go for long summer walks (a favorite pastime)

Maybe "long" is a bit of a stretch, but lately Harper and I have been enjoying strolls through our neighborhood, along with purposeful treks to Starbucks for cool refreshments. It is either really wrong or totally amazing that she can recognize the Starbucks logo on the cup.  Either way, we have been trying to get out and enjoy the fresh air during these late summer and early fall days.  Soon the leaves will be changing, the temperatures dropping, and we will be wishing for the chance to do so again.

8.  Do more yoga 

Do my amazing new hot pink Wunder Under Crops from Lululemon count?  My attendance in yoga class this summer has been embarrassing.  I can only hope (pray) that my postnatal practice will be far better, especially if I'm motivated by those extra lbs...

9.  Eat fiddleheads while they're in season

Sadly, another fail.  But next year I will be sure to remember that fiddlehead season is in MAY.   This year, it's crossed off the list as an impossibility due to my poor time management.  I used to be an organized person.  That was before I (literally and figuratively) came unheeled.

10.  Plan my perfect 30th birthday in the absence of Chanel (tick tock!)

Hello, 30!  I had a truly amazing birthday, thanks entirely to my amazing family and friends.  Following my indulgent spa date with my sister, I enjoyed: a beach day equipped with homemade lobster rolls and time to read FIVE magazines in the sun with some of my dearest friends; a birthday weekend out at my family's home in the Berkshires, complete with a family trek to the county fair; AND finally a lavish gold-themed surprise celebration with some fabulously golden girl friends.  Do I sound spoiled yet?  While my list may have suggested that I be the one to plan my perfect 30th, this was far, far greater.

While I didn't finish every single item on my list, I have to say that it was really helpful to have made one.  It made me feel accountable for how I spent (or didn't spend) my time.  I should say that there were things NOT on my list that ended up being fun summer activities too--like splashing in the pool with Harper, mani/pedi dates to blessedly air-conditioned nail salons with friends, trips to the farmers market, and trying delicious new recipes from Pinterest.  I have to say that it has certainly been a productive summer, but I couldn't be more ready for fall.  It feels only right to end summer the way we started, with F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

I couldn't be more ready for those crisp fall days.

au revoir twenty-something

Once upon a time...

Today is major, as I say goodbye to my 20s and prepare to join the ranks of a new decade.  I have been having issues about this milestone.  When I was little and played with Barbies, I would make Barbie's mom 30; it seemed old, very adult-like and serious.  So I was shocked when it came upon me so quickly.  I thought I would own my own home by now, or at least my own Chanel handbag!  But...

I like to think that what I lack in status symbols, I make up for in other ways.  While there is actually a lot that I don't remember about the last decade of my life, I have experienced the utmost in triumphs and tragedies--but have so much to be grateful for today.   Namely I am thankful to be standing on the brink of a new age bracket with outstanding friends and an amazing family by my side, all of whom have made my birthday month ridiculously special so far--and it's not even my birthday yet!

I have had this week off work, which may be one of the very best ways to celebrate any birthday.  So today, while Harper did a half-day at school, I took the opportunity to run some errands AND treat myself to the obligatory mani/pedi so that I could feel truly ready to be a grown-up tomorrow.  While my tootsies were being polished and pampered, I caught up on the September issue of Glamour, which must have been fate since one of the featured articles was Olivia Wilde's "Advice for Turning 30."  

Unlike my husband, Olivia Wilde has never exactly been on my radar, but it turns out the girl can write!  As a fellow almost-30-year-old, she calls our impending milestone the "Cut the Bullsh-t and Go Be Awesome stage," which is definitely something I can get down with. I mean, please, I'm already awesome! Of her list of dos and don'ts for thirty-somethings out there, here are my three favorites--which made me laugh so I had to include them in their entirety rather than paraphrasing (I might be awesome, but I'm not exactly what you would call funny):

DON'T freak out about all the brilliant people who accomplished more than you by 30.
Yes, Einstein had discovered the theory of relativity by your age, and Emily Brontë had written Wutheringfu*#ing Heights, but honestly, what you achieve is far less important than what kind of human being you are. What do you want people to say at your funeral: "Olivia may have cured HIV, but she ran over my cat and drove away laughing"? No, thanks! I'd rather be a good person who makes people happy than a dick who wins a Nobel by 32.

DO reap the benefits of your accumulated wisdom.

You're 30: You know stuff now. Your twenties were for "ducking up," as my auto-correct would say, and learning from those mistakes. (For instance, never again will I convince myself that sleep is for sissies and go straight from a party to the airport. You will not "sleep on the plane"; you'll vomit in the security line. Go to bed.) Now you get to live with that knowledge under your belt. Also, make it a nice belt. You're 30. Stop dressing like a hobo.

And DON'T be bogged down by your past.

Saturn has now orbited the sun once since you've been alive; make this next go-round whatever you want it to be. Consider your baggage (bad boyfriends, job setbacks, body issues) lost by the airline of life, leaving you empty-handed at your new destination with only one choice: Go shopping.

That's it. Now go—be awesome.

The reality is that 30 is upon me, whether I'm "ready" for it or not. So what choice do I have but to boldly go where everyone 30+ has gone before?

I may not have discovered the theory of relativity or even invented Post-Its, but I feel like I'm doing okay nonetheless and have left some room for growth too... I have become a little bit more domestic (thank you, Pinterest!); learned how to say no when I'm feeling stretched too thin; embraced flats; have started my own little family with my amazing and ridiculously tall husband; refuse to paint my own toes but can totally handle a DIY mani; stopped apologizing for my taste in bad tween TV; love where I work; have some seriously fabulous friends; and feel anchored by my faith.  I told you I was already awesome!  So 30 years old?  Maybe I can handle this after all.

• To read Olivia Wilde's "Advice for Turning 30" in its entirety, click here--and enjoy!

• Harper and I were photographed by the talented Miss Emma Taylor in Fall 2012; check out her blog here!

summer update part 2

Last month, after an embarrassing update, I promised I would have at least three more items crossed off my summer bucket list at the beginning of August.  Since we are now forging into the middle of the month, I felt like I should make good on my promise.  Here's where I stand...

My husband (on the left), making me the perfect s'more.

I am obsessed with s'mores right now.  In fact, did you know that this past Saturday was National S'mores Day?  I actually didn't discover that fun fact until Sunday, but at least my obsession is a timely one.  I've had the chance to enjoy s'mores on several occasions in the last month.  The best was definitely the traditional version, enjoyed around an outdoor fire with family and friends at my mom's house in Western MA.  With Harper on my lap, my obliging husband was the one who actually made my s'mores (yes, I ate two), and he has basically perfected the art.  Thanks to the life-changing powers of Pinterest, I have also learned about and successfully recreated a version of s'mores that doesn't require a camp fire.  Behold, the s'mores bite; I know that s'mores sans fire sounds blasphemous, but these are pretty darn close to the real thing.  If you don't believe me, just try them:

Yet another reason I love Pinterest: s'mores bites

Ingredients:
-6 graham cracker sheets
-6 large marshmallows
-12 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Directions:
-Break graham cracker sheets in half.
-Cut each marshmallow in half.
-Heat oven to Low Broil.
-Align graham crackers in the center of a cookie sheet about 1/2″ apart from each other.
-Top each graham cracker with a marshmallow with the cut/sticky side down.
-Place marshmallow-topped graham crackers under broiler.  Don't walk away!  Watch them, as they will toast quickly, allow to toast until marshmallows are golden.
-Once golden, immediately remove from oven, and place 1 Hershey's Kiss in the center of each toasted marshmallow and gently press down.  
Yum.

It is indeed possible I have been eating so many s'mores in a desperate attempt to ignore the fact that I'm turning 30 this month.  I've been trying to adjust my attitude though, since the truth of the matter is that aging is a gift that not everyone is able to enjoy.  I haven't actively been planning the party of the century or anything, but I feel like my "perfect 30th birthday" is totally within reach, with my birth month off to a fabulous start.  On Saturday, my lovely sister treated me to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, followed by window shopping, and then an indulgent spa facial.  It feels a little symbolic that I've shed a layer of skin (okay not really--but exfoliation counts) to greet a new decade.  Regardless, sister spa time was a truly incredible birthday gift--and my skin feels amazing.  Also amazing was the watermelon mint cooler I had at lunch, which I am now inspired to recreate at home.

Watermelon Cooler at The Cottage in Wellesley, MA

In fact, home creations just might be the theme of this month.  I have been wanting to redo our bedroom for a while now.  The décor just isn't working for us; it is dark and, despite our best design attempts when we moved in three years ago, just misses the mark.  At the top of my "must have" list is space-saving storage, and to that end, I have been coveting an amazing storage bed from Pottery Barn that is simply not within our budget.  So my handyman husband found the plans online and began construction this weekend; I am nervous but excited to see how it will turn out.  I have given him a pretty tight deadline of two weeks so only time will tell!  Also part of the bedroom redo is a new color scheme palette.  Right now, blue is our central color, but we're trying to move in a softer direction--perhaps a light grey, maybe accented by a pale aqua...  We have nothing set in stone yet, as the bed is taking precedence, but I am looking forward to the finished product.

So here's the official report:

Reread The Great Gatsby (my favorite summer book) 

• Hoping to accomplish this while I'm off work next week...

Finally complete Harper's baby book (she is going on 2, after all)

• Planning to finally order prints tonight!

Make s'mores around an outdoor fire

• Done--and yum!

Redo my bedroom décor

• A work in progress!

Explore a New England beach I haven't been to before

• On the calendar for this weekend with some of my besties--another early birthday celebration!

Finally have a picnic with my amazing cousin before she moves 

• Hopefully this week?

Go for long summer walks (a favorite pastime)

• A walk is not the same thing as walks so clearly I'm still working on this one...  Fortunately for me, the temperatures have been lovely this month so far--so let's leave it at "to be continued."

Do more yoga

• Haven't been back to class yet...  Le sigh.

Eat fiddleheads while they're in season

•  Impossible (poor time management)

Plan my perfect 30th birthday in the absence of Chanel (tick tock!)

• A work in progress...

I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm feeling much, much better about my progress this time around.  Things weren't looking good for me for a moment there, but I'm grateful that I actually put my summer goals in writing so that I can truly hold myself accountable.  Thankfully now it's all happening!  Stay tuned for the final report...

 

miss independence day: the 4th in 3 parts

1. My first peach cobbler was a success--yay!  And yum.

2.  My pretty little patriot--in her French stripes.

3.  Nailed it!  My Star-spangled nails, poolside.

may the 4th be with you

It's July--what?!  Seriously, how did that happen so quickly?  This week has been amazing though; with the 4th on Thursday this year, I only had to work TWO days this week.  I could really get used to that sort of schedule.  My little family is looking forward to celebrating Independence Day, grilling with friends and enjoying time together as a family.  Here are a few pieces of Americana that have me feeling festive this week:

Movita Beaucoup Peach Cobbler

Peach pie.  We were asked to bring a dessert to our friends' 4th of July BBQ, and like any good domestic goddess wannabe, you know I immediately consulted Pinterest for culinary inspiration.  While the red, white, and blue cakes and fruit confections are absolutely classic, I feel like it doesn't get more all-American than peach cobbler.  Harper, Dallin, and I hit the market earlier this evening to gather our supplies, and now I couldn't be more excited to try this recipe from Movita Beaucoup:

For the filling-

4 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (about 8 or 9 peaches)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon flour

For the crust-
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon brown sugar, for topping
whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)

To prepare:

-Preheat the oven to 425

-Combine all dry ingredients for cobbler crust in a bowl, and set aside.
-Generously grease a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Place the sliced peaches in the dish and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and flour. Mix gently and spread evenly in the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
-While the peaches are cooking, cut the butter into the awaiting dry crust ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingers, to make the texture like coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.
-Remove the peach mixture from oven and drop rounded spoonfuls of dough on top. Then sprinkle the top of your cobbler with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar, and return to oven. Bake until the fruit is bubbly and crust topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. 

-Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.  Yum!

Girl's Milleraies Striped Tee in gitan/ecume, $22.50
by Petit Bateau

Patriotic stripes.  Harper's Grammy Sue surprised her on Monday with this special tee from Petit Bateau to wear on the 4th, and it has taken all my willpower to wait for the grand debut.  Granted, Petit Bateau isn't exactly classically American, but let's be honest, it doesn't get much cuter or more patriotic than red and white stripes.  Perhaps my favorite detail is the little bow at the neck (the neckline and bow on Harper's tee are white instead of the red shown here).  As a side note, the Petit Bateau store on Newbury Street in Boston is closing at the end of this week.  This means that we have recently purchased some amazing Petit Bateau swag at even more amazing sale prices--but I am absolutely heartbroken to see it go.  Anyway... My vision: this tee, paired with little H's chambray shorts, and her red, white, and blue hair bow...hello, Miss American Pie!

Butler Please, $7.79
by Essie
Available from Target

Starry nails.  I was super bummed to miss viewing The Bachelorette with some of my favorite girlies this week, particularly as our TV night was also a patriotic nail painting party!  Sigh.  Nonetheless, I'm doing my best to nail it on my own this time, thanks to Essie's Butler Please, a nail color recommendation from my fashion icon friend, Aimee, who has it on her toes as I type this.  Called an "indulgent, bright blue," I'm totally loving it.  This blue is peppy, patriotic, and even a little nautical.  After another trip down the Pinterest rabbit hole, I've been inspired to take my nail painting party to the next level and to try this polished version of star spangled, using the reverse color scheme, all blue with one red (not just any red but Essie's Lollipop, another summer fave).  Pictures to follow!

Pinterest inspiration: 4th of July nails

From peach pie to stars and stripes, I'm looking forward to celebrating tomorrow.  I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't express my appreciation for living in the land of the free and the home of the brave--and for those men and women that have made those blessings possible.  Happy 4th of July--and may the 4th be with you!

Daddy's Day

Today is Father's Day.  Probably like many of you out there who have lost your father, this day is a bittersweet one for me.  On the bitter side, of course, is that I am reminded of how much I miss my beloved Daddy.  But there's more sweet than bitter; I love the opportunity to remember my amazing daddy and, what's more, to celebrate my husband, who is an incredible father.  In honor of two of my favorites, here are some of ways our family is celebrating today:

Cool cards, like this one that we sent to Dallin's dad earlier this week.  I know we live in the age of Skype and Snapchat, but one thing I learned from my father was how to write a real letter.  And nothing beats the perfect card, especially when it is indeed for one very cool pop.

Card by Hearts Grow Fonder
Available on Etsy

"From mail room to board room," as my dad would always say.  Here is the tie that my little H made for her Daddy at church today.  Very chic.  She has also been modeling it for him this afternoon.  I'm not sure who it looks better on.

Old photos.  A daddy/daughter nap, circa 1983, loving every minute of an afternoon snuggle.  My Daddy was a man of few words; he didn't say much unless he really had something to say, so I learned to appreciate moments of silence shared in complete comfort.  Like when we drove across country together to bring my old Volvo out to LA when I was in college; we listened to a LOT of CDs and shared time together I will always treasure.

New photos.  I love that Harper is Daddy's girl; after all, it takes one to know one.  Here is Harper, with Dallin, after a visit to the doctor's and in desperate need of some Daddy love.  It's cool, I totally get it.

Red velvet whoopie pies: my attempt at making Dallin a Father's Day treat.  I say attempt because there are a few things that I learned in the process...  As it turns out, I should read directions before starting a baking project to make sure I have all the ingredients and tools necessary.  For instance, one needs a whoopie pie pan when making whoopie pies.  In the absence of said whoopie pie pan, a muffin tin will work--but maybe not quite as well.  Fortunately, Instagram (what one of my besties calls "the beer goggles of life") makes everything look prettier.  Here's to hoping they taste good too!

Found notes, like this one from my Daddy.  He wrote this to me after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and was going through chemo and radiation.  Despite the physical toll this process was taking on his body, he found the time to sketch out designs with me--cupcakes, ice cream cones, candy...  All the sweet things that inspired my lolly.brand line.  I am grateful to fathers like mine, who inspire their children to dream.  There are so many ways that he lives on.

On Facebook today, there were countless pictures fathers, as well as status updates paying tribute.  I have to admit, it made me a little sad, wistful perhaps, I wasn't celebrating with my own father.  But a while ago, I decided that I would do my best to celebrate my father's life, rather than to mourn his passing.  This day, I have done just that, showing gratitude to the fathers in my life and appreciation for the examples that they are to their children.  I am blessed to know some seriously amazing guys.  And speaking of which, Dallin enjoyed his red velvet whoopie pie, and Harper did too.  Like father, like daughter...  And so it goes.

Summer Things

With Memorial Day weekend come and gone and Boston temperatures over 90 degrees for three consecutive days this past week, I think it's fair to say that summer is here.  Some years, I feel like summer comes and goes without me having the chance to acknowledge or even properly appreciate it.  I resolve that this year will be different.  I have grand plans for beach days, delicious summer menus on the grill, and summer fashions.  Here are 5 of the things that I'm already excited about:

Glitter Nail Color
in Candy Shop, $19
by Deborah Lippmann
Available at Nordstrom

Nail care is a crucial part of the summer, and today I finally had the opportunity to get a much-needed mani/pedi.  Now I'm feeling far more summer-ready.  And speaking of summer nails, while I don't yet have this amazing nail lacquer from Deborah Lippmann in my collection, I'll stress the yet because I'm thinking it is a must.  Growing up, I was obsessed with the game Candy Land, particularly with the character Queen Frostine who I felt was my game character doppelganger.  This polish is like Candy Land for grown-ups, a light pink with candy colored glitter flecks throughout.  Let's be real, this is a party for your nails, and after finally seeing The Great Gatsby this weekend, I am ready for parties AND glitter.

Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta and Prosciutto
Recipe thanks to Williams-Sonoma

When I look at the Williams-Sonoma catalog, I genuinely want to be more domestic.  Of course, life always seems to get in the way, and we wind up eating quesadillas or cereal most nights.  Summer resolution?  I will make this peach bruschetta with ricotta and prosciutto.  According to WS, it involves 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook-time.  Now that is a timeline I can commit to!  Plus, doesn't this picture make you want it to eat it, like NOW?  Here's the recipe so you can:

Ingredients:
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
4 slices country-style bread, each about 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 large peaches, pitted and each cut into 12 slices
6 Tbs. ricotta cheese, lightly seasoned with kosher salt
3 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto
1 1/2 oz. arugula
Maldon sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:
-In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the vinegar to a simmer and simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.-Preheat a panini press on the “sear” setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generously brush both sides of the bread slices with the 1/3 cup olive oil. Working in 2 batches, place the bread on the panini press, close the lid and lock the top of the press so the bread is not being compressed. Cook until browned on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
-Working in 2 batches, arrange the peach slices on the panini press, close the lid and cook until the peaches are nicely marked on both sides, about 2 minutes.
-Spread 1 1/2 Tbs. cheese on each bread slice. Drape the prosciutto on top, dividing evenly, and top with the peach slices. Put the arugula in a small bowl and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Top the bruschetta with the arugula. Drizzle with the reduced vinegar and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Lounging poolside with my girl

Lounging poolside.  Okay, for us, that means Harper's little pool in our backyard.  On Friday afternoon (day 2 of aforementioned 90 degree temperatures), like most Bostonians, I was beyond hot.  Not even day 2 of ice cream treats offered sufficient cooling, and that's when you know you're in trouble.  So we decided it was time to break ground on our swimming pool--and obviously we went with the top-of-the-line kidney-shaped pool!  That's just how we roll in the Wilson family.  Seriously, sitting inside that tiny pool with my sweet girl was exactly what I needed.  I have a feeling it was perhaps the best summer investment ever made.  Oh, and Harper's watering can to go with it, of course.

Printed Tee-Shirt Dress
in Egyptian Turquoise, $35
by Diane von Furstenberg for babyGap

Wishes really do come true!  One of my favorite fashion icons, Diane von Furstenberg, did another limited collection for babyGap and Gap Kids this year.  Her Explorers Collection features graphic prints in bright, cheerful colors that are fun and youthful.  Obvi, I couldn't resist getting something for little H.  It was hard to pick just one, but Harper just had to have this printed tee-shirt dress.  Is it wrong to want one in my size too?

Lululemon hits the tennis court!  Until today I had NO idea that Lulu did tennis wear.  Fortunately, my super stylish friend, Aimee, filled me in--and how cute is this Hot Hitter Dress?!  I played tennis during my middle school years but haven't been on the tennis court since, and lately I have really been wanting to get back to it.  What appeals to me about tennis is that it is a sport you can play forever.  My grandmother played until she was in her late 70s; how great is that?  Of course, the fashion doesn't hurt either; who doesn't love tennis whites?  Especially from Lulu, with irresistible design coupled with amazing moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.  Now, to get back on the court...  

Hot Hitter Dress in Aquamarine/White, $98
by Lululemon

The first official day of summer isn't until June 21, but it feels like summer is already upon us.  With my newly painted nails and fashion and culinary inspiration, now all I need is a tan!  

Little Things To Love

When I decided that She's Come Unheeled would actually come unheeled last summer, I was excited for real life posts about my new adventures avec mon bebe.  I mean, how Kourtney Kardashian totes her tot around in those Louboutins is beyond me!  Not that I don't still love my Louboutins, but I am writing these long-overdue words from the comfort of my bare feet, which are also overdue--for a pedicure, that is.  While some might interpret this as decidedly un-glamorous, I'm okay with that.  For the past couple of months I have been happily enjoying the little things--and wanted to share five of my favorites:

Tea tastes better in a pretty little teacup!

Tea party for one--and a sweet moment of silence to enjoy it.  I am recovering from my addiction to Tazo Refresh right now, a blend of peppermint, spearmint, and a teensy bit of tarragon.  It tastes better in a pretty little teacup, like this one from my grandmother.

Lolly and Leonora

Found photos.  My grandmother sent this to me last month, an old photo she found in her desk.  The cool kid in the oversized bow is me, posing with my great grandmother, Leonora.  Clearly, we would have made quite the fashion-forward duo.

A text convo with my beloved

My husband, who doesn't fall for anything.  But you can't blame a girl for trying, right?  I mean, my birthday is coming up this summer so I was only trying to help him prepare.

Alicia by Tom Ford

New Sunglasses. I've been wearing my faithful Chloé sunglasses for about six years, which is fair, as sunglasses to me are an investment piece.  Yet, lately I have been feeling that it's time for a change.  While I have always believed that Jackie had it right with basic black, the time had come to go tortoise.  I mean, he won the race, did he not?  Jokes aside, tortoise is equally timeless, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the Alicia by Tom Ford.  I recently learned that Tom Ford names his sunglasses for people that he admires.  There is not a Laura--yet.

Leopard nails

New friends with crazy skills!  Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to join some amazing ladies for fun conversation and amazing nail treatments.  Pink leopard nails!  How did I make it almost 30 years on this earth without it?

Spring has arrived in Boston, and I am thankful for the arrival of warmer weather and time outdoors.  And also spring fashion.  If I don't see a puffy coat or a pair of Uggs until the fall, I will be a happy girl.