Good with Style

Memorial Day: Things to Do In & Around New York City

Still looking for things to do this Memorial Day Weekend (like me)? Let me share some of my last-minute-ideas as I try to plan our weekend...

You can go to an eletro-disco party or a take a trip to Coney Island---Papermag.com shares a few cool ways to spend a staycation in the Big Apple.

Have you ever been to Mystic, CT? The annual Lobster Days events which kick-off today might just be the perfect reason to go.

Or maybe head south to Cape May, NJ for the whale cruises, marching bands, sun, sand and surf.

Meet Ukrainian-born Artem Rapin, a Native American-Flute Maker, in New Paltz, New York at the weekend-long Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair.

We always go to the Devon Horse Show, in PA, which has rides, food, and horses (obv.) Maybe we'll see you there?

Whatever you do--have fun, and wear sunscreen!

xo emily

 

 

 

Pinch Me: A Postpartum Story

 

Been a little busy lately having a baby, figuring out how to be a mother to three children under the age of 5, and healing my body after giving birth. During the second week post-partum, I overdid it (what mother doesn't?) I've had a pinched nerve in my lower back for two weeks now which inhibits walking, sleeping, existing. But really, what have I got to complain about--yesterday marked four weeks since Sophie was born. They grow up so fast.

xo

Emily

Spring is for the Birds

I hope you've been enjoying the early days of Spring. I recently paid a visit to the Audubon Center in Sharon, CT where I picked up a few more bird callers. I'd really love to figure out how to put some bird feeders outside of our windows without having them overrun with pigeons. If you're lucky enough to live a relatively pigeon-free life (no offense to the pigeon lovers out there), Birdfeeder.com has a lot of Bird stuff for you avian enthusiasts out there. 

See you soon!

xoemily

 

Birthday Ideas: Costumes, Capes, Crowns & Cake Recipes

Birthday wishes come true for the princess in our house...

*We used Martha Stewart Fine Glitter silver glitter on our homemade invitations because everybody loves to see their name sparkle.

 

*This was a "pretend slumber party." Before the party started, Sydney and I practiced being a hostess...I was a guest, and she was a very gracious birthday girl.

*Guests arrived in their PJs, we had pillows and blankets laid on the floor to set the stage. Pink lemonade, tea sandwiches, fruit cups, and crudites were served on a low table with china and silverware. Sydney set the table, carefully placing the colorful cotton napkis she helped me make.

*Each girl got a pink tutu and a crown. We played freeze dance, and Zingo--which is a lot like Bingo. Pink frosted cupcakes were served on diy cake stands--plates glued to candlestick bases.

*I was so happy when Sydney said she wanted her little brother Sammy to be at the party too. I let him have a couple of extra cupcakes--it's still hard to understand why you aren't getting any presents when you're only three. But it makes it so much better when you have such a sweet older sister.

Resources:

Birthday Cake Recipes from HGTV

Capes and Crowns via Sew Plain Jane

Twinkling string of LED lights via PartyLights.com

Paper Balloons (not necessarily eco-friendly, but you can keep them vs. throwing away) via Omiyage.ca

Eco-friendly balloons via Party Fiesta Decor 

 

Decorating How to: Replace Your Sofa Legs

Pottery Barn has been my default-go-to for home furnishings at various times in my life (what a surprise). Such was the case when purchasing a new sofa six years ago. It just seemed like the easiest thing to do (translate=I am lazy). Now, knowing more, I would have done things differently. For one--I prefer upholstered furniture so much more than slip-covered. Also, I would have chosen a different fill for the couch pillows. As it is, the down just isn't my thang. For one, I'm not patient enough for the constant fluffing, and also--have you ever noticed that the feathers poke through and prick you? It's like the goose is getting back at you posthumously or something. I also made a teensie mistake by letting my kids jump on the couch--it's a bit saggy in the middle. Not unlike my own middle. My point is--I'm looking to remake the sad overused wretch that is my sofa. First step--replace the couch legs. Of course, I want to use legs made from Sustainable Wood. I happily discovered BingLtd--an online shopping, bricks and mortar home furnishings business. Now, if I can just get my husband to turn the sofa over so I can check out those legs.

The next step: Replace the cushions and upholster (rookie style) the couch. Good luck with that, right? I do have a simple (really!) how-to upholster project in my Eco Chic Home book. I'll keep you updated on this little home decorating project as it progresses. 

*Photo: Atwood Sectional. $3199. 92"L x 65"W x 27"H. Available in Cabana Hemp (as shown) or Urban Tweed Ink. FSC-Certified Wood Frame. Available at Area 51 Furniture Store, Seattle.

More about the different types of sofa legs: