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

 

 

 

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 

 

Kid Friendly Interior Design

 My mother had some pretty unique interior design ideas, and she wasn't afraid to try them out on us. Plus, it was the 70's--enough said. She was also really good carpenter--thanks to my Swedish Grandfather who had the most awesome working man's hands. Here's a photo of me about to slide down the fireman's pole that was in our living room. Like I said, the 70's. 

 

Love List

*Our Honda Odyssey minivan, no matter how uncool that makes me. 

*Non-smokers.

*My husband because he is steadfast and true, and for being only thrilled and excited to have a third child even though I was the one who really wanted and now I am kind of freaking out about it.

*The fact that I am young enough to appreciate new things, and old enough to know when they aren't new at all...

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chairs

Source: unhappyhipsters.com via Emily on Pinterest

 

Chairs for kids. Chairs for kids who live in apartments. Chairs for kids the grown-ups can sit in without breaking. All of these things make the Stokke perfect for my kids. Sturdy, convertible and nice looking. Yep, pretty much perfect.

My Phil + Ted's Excellent Adventure

 
Have you ever experienced the emotional claustrophobia caused by having too much stuff? I feel this may be one of the most undiagnosed conditions of modern times. If you can come up with the antidote, you'll make a mint. Then you can buy even more stuff. Just kidding. You probably already know that the most effective defense is practicing self-control--being mindful of how much you acquire in the first place. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all. I know this can be a challenge, especially when it comes to having kids. It's a fact--children grow out of things--quickly. The planned obsolescence trap seems unavoidable with something as simple as a stroller--a standard purchase upon the arrival of your first child. If you decide to have a second child, you need another stroller--unless your older one is able to walk everywhere, and in the city, kids pretty much reach adolescence before they get out of the stroller. My almost five year old still begs to sit. Hey, don't judge. We do a lot of walking every day. I walk four miles (20 New York City Avenue blocks--round trip) just to pick her up from school every day. I bet some of you would want to sit in the stroller too.

So, how did I find a stroller that can adapt with a changing family? When my daughter was born nearly five years ago, after doing a lot of research, we purchased a Phil and Ted's stroller. Phil and Ted's sells single strollers that can turn into a double stroller (note: you do have to buy a "doubles kit"). You can see our Phil and Ted's in action here. Yes, these are expensive strollers. But, they last and they don't become obsolete if you decide to have a second child. I'm still looking for a good option for three children. I'll let you know what I come up with.

Bonus: The company has great customer service--they will replace pretty much any part free of charge. Because of the durability, these strollers really last--which means you can get a great deal if you decide to buy one second hand.  

Contact: Phil + Teds

Stroller Image Credit: Daddysswag.com

Christmas at My House

Just a few simple things to bring the holiday spirit to our home. I try to keep it simple. The tree is faux, many of the decorations are from my mom and grandmother.        

My grandfather was Swedish, and many of the the ornaments I have are from Sweden.  Christmas is celebrated for almost two months in Sweden, with December 13th being St. Lucia's Day. Traditionally, the eldest daughter in a family dons a headwreath with candles and serves the family St. Lucia buns (Lussekatter) and coffee in bed. Many of the tree ornaments are made of straw and wood. Typical for the simple life of the Swedish countryside. The Candle Carousel is an old European tradition stemming from the invention of the windmill. When you light candles, the heat makes the carousel spin. Natural energy! I hope you have a lovely Christmas. God Jul!

Find out more:

Plaited Straw Decorations

Christmas Candle Carousel

What I Wore: Sunday At The Beach

 

Hat: San Diego Hat Co. Eco-Friendly Raffia, Made In China

Sun Glasses: Persol, I've had them for at least ten years, Handmade in the original factory in Lauriano, (Turin) Italy.

Bathing Suit: Land's End, Made in Cambodia

Shoes: Jack Rogers, $10, Housing Works NYC

Dress: Three Dots, Made in USA

Water Bottle: Klean Kanteen, Responsibly Made In China

Watch: Michael Kors Chronograph Waterproof Watch, Made in China

Sash/Wrap: Street Vendor, NYC

Bag: Vintage, My Mom

ABC--Always Be Creating

Source: abchao.com via Elle on Pinterest

 

I've long believed that we just don't have enough creativity in our lives. Humans are naturally ingenious, creative, curious. It's why we've survived for so long, after all. I feel so lucky to have a very creative career. As a mother, it was a necessity for me to figure out how to have a career, and be close to my children. But even I sometimes forget the pure joy in sitting down with or without my kids and create. These colorful sticks remind me of just how simple it can be. And look how pretty they are, too. XO Emily

The Bitter And The Sweet

Source: vanessajackman.blogspot.com via Dar on Pinterest

And just like that, my mind turns to what comes next. But it's too soon. "Stay in the moment", I say, "Enjoy the season, find the fun in every new Summer Day until the Days become Fall." Okay. I can do that. Let's all do that, okay?
XO Emily

Tweeting on Saturdays + Do We Spend Too Much Time Online

the cyclotrope by tim wheatley

I came across this on Dwell and it's pretty awesome. Do we spend too much time online? Yes of course we do. Shouldn't you be spending time with your loved ones and refrain from tweeting on Saturdays? Social media sometimes feel all consuming. The Cyclotrope by Tim Wheatley is a reminder of how fun it is to turn the computer off, put the iphone away, and instead use your hands to create something. And wait until Monday before tweeting about it ;)

 

The Cyclotrope from tim Wheatley on Vimeo.

 

Read more about Tweeting on Saturdays here.

How to Have an Urban Picnic

EmilyStyle: How to Have an Urban Picnic by goodwithstyle featuring polka dot scarves

Blog Lovin' + Sarah Richardson Inspiration

I've been blogging for a number of years now. I first started as a way to launch my freelance writing career, then promote my first book, second book, most recent book. All the while I have been evolving as a writer and as a person. This is what I love about blogs, the malleable and transformative nature of the medium. You can change when and however you wish to change. I am at a Sea Change moment in my life, having just closed a big chapter by way of finally getting my grandmother's house (and my childhood oasis) ready to be sold. I've also been looking for a house with my dear husband, which is not the most empowering experience when you are operating within a very specific budget. So losing and finding a home is a big part of my story right now. We've lot out on three houses because we were outbid. But something happened over the last couple of weeks. First, instead of being disappointed with what I do not have, I re-immersed myself in what I do have. This included spending more time with my children--taking them to buy the groceries, involving them in the meal preparation, sitting down together. It has occurred to me that what sustains us is not what we have from a material perspective, but really it's the shared experiences we have. The rituals of everyday life, whether it's cleaning the house, cooking the food, or doing the laundry--are accessible to all of us. You can live in the smallest house, but when you clean and organize it just so, it can rival the largest mansion. Because what a castle is doesn't depend on what it is, but rather how it is. 

XO

Emily

Photograph: Sarah Richardson Designed Room

 

Su Blackwell Makes Paper Bloom

Source: sublackwell.co.uk via Emily on Pinterest

I hope your June is going well. Between looking for a house, getting our Summer plans together, and my babysitter being on vacation, I've been swamped--witness this post being written at 11:54 pm Friday evening. When life is whirling around you, it is the perfect time to practice mindfulness so that we can be be present for the delicious little details of our daily lives. XO Emily

getting ready for lift-off: say goodbye to the past

PHOTO: THE TORTOISE & THE HARE

I am feeling a little overwhelmed, but that seems to be my general state of being so I've decided to just start going with it and do my best. What else can anyone expect? After spending a mad week at my Grandmother's in Rock Island, Illinois cleaning out the house, all of the items I decided to keep arrived this past weekend here in New York. I had hoped to have a house by the time we got the stuff, but that's still pending. So, into storage everything went. What I wanted to share with you is the incredible relief mingled with sadness and grief I felt after the trip ended. Going through the house was like peeling back layers of an onion, and I most certainly could have spent many more days, weeks, even years sorting and sifting. In a way, it was a blessing that I only had five days to complete the task. Here are a few of the items I decided to keep:

1. The canopy bed that was my mother's and then mine, and now will be my daughter's.

2. A complete set of Royal Copenhagen vintage china.

3. Paul Revere cookware which I know is really old school, but I like to use it because it's what I learned to cook with.

4. All of the vintage clothes I could get my mitts on.

5. Every photo, letter, and family document I could find.

6. My mother's interior design folders--with her ideas, clippings, etc.

7. Several other family heirlooms that have more sentimental value than their material worth.

I would recommend this experience to anyone who has a chance to help unravel a loved one's physical presence after they are gone. I gained insight, had a few laughs, and most of all closed the book on a big chapter in my life. Having grown up around death for my entire life (my grandparent's were Funeral Directors)...I think I've always had a highly-developed sense of how important it is to live life to the fullest. But even when we are aware, the weight of our past can keep us from really soaring. But now I'm ready to fly--I even have my cape on--so let's go!

celebrate spring: eco-friendly living in style

Have a wonderful weekend everybody... XO Emily

celebrate earth day: eco-living ideas

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

How will you be celebrating green-living today? Perhaps you might enjoy reading a few new ideas from moi...Two articles I wrote for today with unique ways to make easy eco-friendly changes, and spend some fun earth-friendly time with your kids...XO Emily

galtime.com: Celebrating Earth Day with Your Kids

momifforward.com: Celebrate Earth Day in Eco Fashion

kangaroo plus 5 cargo bike

 I really want a new bike. If only I lived in Amsterdam, where Recycled Bicycle is located, which I learned from Green Goody. We walk everywhere, so at least I don't use a car too often. But riding your bike around town is an especially Earth Day idea, because it's better for everyone, including you.

 So then I got to thinking about bikes, and looking around the web for different models, when I came upon this incredibly great idea from Danish-based Kangaroo Bike.

 I'm not sure how my husband would feel about this, but I am definitely putting this on the list. How about you--do you have--or want--a bike? 

XO

Emily

organic cotton's dirty little secret

Unfortunately, at this stage, even the label won't necessarily tell you everything you should know about the item. A label may say "MADE WITH 100% Organic Cotton" vs. "100% Organic Cotton Clothing" which is a distinction nobody probably even pays attention to...Because I have experience writing copy for product and I think this difference makes a difference--for legal reasons, a company may want to be sure they say "contains" because then they can include whatever they want and still keep the Organic Label.

This is why the GOTS--Global Organic Textile Association--label is so important, it does regulate the environmental and ethical standards at every stage of the entire manufacturing process. I only know about GOTS because of my client, BOA Style. All of their Organic items have this label.

If you'd like to see all of the chemicals used after the Organic Cotton is grown, harvested, and turned into fiber then fabric, go straight to the source Textile Manufacturers, Exporters & Suppliers website. Here are a few links for more information and resources about Organic Cotton:

Organic Trade Association

Patagonia: About Organic Cotton

About Organic Cotton

Sustainable Cotton Project

Behind the Label (the very best, most comprehensive source for all things ethical business related.)

I'm also a adding few brands to my recommended list:

NAU

HessNatur

Winter Water Factory*

*I just purchased a few items from this store for my little girl and we love the organic cotton designs! I'll share photos and more next week.

Does all of this information make sense to you? Please let me know if you have any questions or information. Remember, I am learning too!

XO

Emily