Pink Cowboy Boots and Pond Scum

Ever have those series of days or weeks where you feel like life is making you play catch up? 
Catch up may not be the word.  Maybe I mean it's making you work extra hard at 'stuff?'

It can be catch up in a good and hectic way;   Like on a professional level, at my day job, we are expanding the medical practice that I help run with my husband EG and so we've been meeting with architects to figure out how the space will look and what we'll need to accommodate our growth.  

Or it can sometimes feel like a desperate sort of trudge through molasses to make positive changes; Like on a personal level, I am feeling like my family is needing some extra love and attention.  My little peanuts are precious and at such a wonderful and cute age and they are like little sponges in what they learn and absorb.    My littlest peanut is very feisty and has been expressing herself in "nice colorful ways" and so we're giving her some extra hugs and focus and trying to figure out the challenging mind of a four year old little being.  So for now, I wanted to share a fun memory I have of a family photo shoot we had in NYC last fall. 

So, here we are in all of our disheveled loveliness.  I so desperately wanted this family photo shoot because we never have the four of us together.  I also wanted Wendy and Tyler from Blue Lily Photography for the shoot because they have always produced such wonderful photos of NieNie and her family (see here).  We high tailed it down to NYC from Connecticut to meet Wendy and Tyler in Central Park for the shoot.   A perfect location...this is where EG and I got engaged so no better place to film our whole family years later!  (ha...Luckily photos can hide the behind the scenes)

Before Wendy and Tyler even arrived, the kids were squirrely.  They were running around the perimeter of the pond and sometimes getting daringly close to the edge.  But the edge consists of "stairs" that actually step down into the water so I rationalized it's not like they would actually fall off the ledge into the water because there was no ledge!  I stepped away to message Wendy and provide some identifying elements so she could spot our family when she arrived.  EG was on kid patrol (Hey, no blame here).  In the midst of my texting, I noticed a commotion at the base of the pond.  Non-English speaking tourists were flailing their arms around in a frantic flight.  Well shit...I'd better get over there.  There's got to be some celebrity at the scene to cause such a stir.  As I got closer, I noticed.  No celebrity.  Ah...my family.  My husband.  My son.  At the base of the pond.  But my daughter was no where to be found.  Until I inched closer and realized that the "fish" the tourist was fetching out from the water was in fact my daughter.  Yep, submerged from the neck down in the smelly wretched cold pond water of NYC.  That's my girl.  (Fine by the way, just soaking wet!)

All this went down BEFORE the photo shoot.  Now most sane families might have called the shoot off.  Actually, that's what my husband wanted to do.  But no.  I'm no 'Toddlers and Tiara' stage mom, but you forget, this was our once in a lifetime family photo session and the show must go on!  So I sent EG to the car for a back up outfit for our daughter and Wendy started to shoot away!  You'd never even guess that Vivi is soaking wet from the head to her toes in the above photo, would you?  (The gray coat was dry).   We had a one hour photo shoot and the first 40 minutes were of the kids only while EG trekked to the car for new clothes!  We did manage to muster 20 minutes of family portraits and we actually LOOK happy in some of them. 

Like the hairdo?  Vivi's hair had previously been chin length on both sides until she and her brother decided to play barber shop and she chopped off one whole side (Not on the same day as the photo shoot or that would have sent me to therapy for sure).  We decided to make lemons from lemonade and turned it into a "style."  Shorter on one side and longer on another.  (She got so many compliments during those months when it was growing back out). 

(Notice new skirt | outfit change for Vivi in this picture?)  I must mention that when EG returned from the car with new clothes for Vivi, he didn't just bring a new change of clothes back to the park...he lugged Vivi's ENTIRE SUITCASE full of clothes back with him.  So yes, I was not only dealing with a dramatic four year old that jumped into the pond scum that day, I was also dealing with an over zealous husband that dramatically brought an entire suitcase through Central Park so that I would have my pickins of back up clothes.  To his credit, he knows me well and I'm sure I would have had something to say about his selection so he brought all TWENTY outfits to me for me to select myself!  haha, never a dull moment. 



Looking back at these photos it reminds me that there will always be challenging times and it's just how we choose to make lemonade from the lemons.  Or smile even when your pink cowboy boots may be soaking wet with pond scum water.  Or pretend to laugh even when you may be gritting through your teeth ("why did i agree to do this?  never again!"--from eg).  Because when you look back in time and remember your life, it's easy to overlook the times when you may have been struggling, and nice to remember the times you chose and put one foot in front of the other.  Sometimes when you're mud deep in the midst of a struggle it's difficult to remember that things tend to work themselves out in time.  It's nice to have a happy reminder of that from time to time. 

2016 Update: I initially wrote this post in 2013 when our understanding of what our daughter may be facing was unknown and foreign.  Since then, we have gained a bit more insight into what may drive her behavior and moods at times.  To read more, go here:  You Need This Place

xoxoxo
Heather from Vivid Hue Home

I Heart America...

 

I was living in NYC in Union Square.  It's amazing how the entire city came together for each other.  I spent many long hours at Union Square Park seeking solace with others.   I snapped this photo of the American flag that had been made from colored candles. It was one of the many displays of support during those early days after 9/11. 

 From that time forward, I felt an instant bond with the city and the people of New York.  

May we remember the thousands of lives lost and thank those that continue to fight for our country so that we can enjoy our freedom. 



xoxoxo
Heather
Vivid Hue HOme

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Land of Nod Goes to Camp

Ya'll know that this summer I've become obsessed with campy decor.   It transpired with my trip to Upstate New York's Lake Chateaugay.  In prep for my vacation, I showcased several fabulous camp designs, including Camp Wandawega (recall here).

So, imagine my delight when I picked up the recent Land of Nod catalog and noticed that much of their fall collection is centered around the camp theme--at Camp Wandawega, in fact. 

Holla, Land of Nod!  Great minds think alike and I like where your heading!  

So now the reveal.  Here's what I was so excited about. 



Land of Nod July 2012 Issue

Land of Nod Petite Chateau Duvet, page 26 of July 2012 Catalog

Love the setting of this photo shoot!  The old cabin with the floral Petite Chateau Duvet on the front porch.  It reminds me of a French country retreat. 

I love the fresh bedding they've featured in this collection.  Yes, Land of Nod is usually for kiddies, but I would feature any of these in my guest bedroom. 

(Details)

1 Fade to Pink Duvet $159 or $189 | 2 Clothes Make the Kid Throw $99 | 3 In the Mix Bedding (duvet, sheets, shams, throw) | 4 In the Mix Duvet $89 and $119 depending on size

I am digging the "Clothes Make the Kid" throw.  It reminds me of a precious little kid's sweater and it would be adorable at the end of a bed.  (And BTW, I love the name for this throw...I'm not trying to start anything, but I guarantee that there are teachers out there that are nicer to the cuter kids and secretly not as nice to the kids that are 'under-privileged in cuteness'  Just sayin). 

Digging these accessories.  I can envision them in a bedroom as an additional decorative accent.  Character pieces, if you will.  Full disclosure, I actually purchased the red hand cut illustration of NYC (upper right). 

 I used to live in NYC.  I met my husband there when he was doing his medical internship. I worked in e-commerce and vowed I would never ever ever leave that city.  The CITY.  Then he had the nerve to relocate to Boston for his residency.  He also proposed to me...And, what's an engaged girl to do?  Stay in the city and maintain a cozy 300 square foot apartment in the West Village while continuing to work at my tech job while desperately seeking the occasional celeb spotting---HELLO Gwyneth Paltrow, I know where you live!  Why, I did what any honorable soon-to-be-bride would do, of course!  I dug my feet into the ground, stomped and pouted and reluctantly tried to hold onto everything that reminded me of NYC...including my NYC cell phone number.   (Hey, it's only been eight  ten years and it still serves as a tribute to my time in the city!)  And yes, I'm no idiot...I high-tailed it to Boston to join my best buddy. 

Now, I honor our fab single days in the city by obsessively purchasing anything that remotely reminds me of NYC (Remember the "drink NYC water" coasters?)

 Love this duvet.  It reminds me of the Dwell Studio collection.  And it comes in multiple different colors.  Also, adore those apple green chairs!

This bedding is called the Nod Conservatory Bedding but it reminds me an awful lot of the style of fabric I spotted on Spoonflower * this week by LFN Textiles (see here).  I wasn't able to confirm for sure, but they did design a print that was selected for major distribution through Crate and Barrel (Land of Nod's parent). 

 {*Yet another reason to scoop up some of the selections on Spoonflower.  Some of these designs go 'commercial' ya'll}. 

 

And what about these Not a Peep curtain panels in my son's bedroom?  

I had these suckers in my cart ready to order but then I chickened out.  Here's why:

1. I'm not sure the gray on the drapes will match the gray on the bed.

2. They were back ordered til August and I wanted more instant gratification than that.

3. The more I stared at them in my cart, the more they looked like stylish baby nursery curtains.  Uh, don't you dare repeat that to my six year old in case he ends up with these on his windows. 


4.  Eh, time does heal...it's been three days and I'm leaving these babies behind in the cart.  I want something with more of an oomph! 

Oh, and I know we're not talking about my house tour right now, but I'd like to acknowledge that I already know those yellow side tables are too feminine in this room and they're going to be relegated somewhere else.   (Know ya'll were glaring at them while politely not wanting to say anything about them being sort of out of place...kind of like when a friend has a pimple on her nose that is about to pop and you are trying to carry on a normal conversation with her without getting too distracted.  Wheeza, I know you'd flat out tell me "dude, you gotta pop that thing it's like a third eye")

On that note,  tune in tomorrow for a recap on my trip earlier this week to Lillian August in Norwalk!

It's been one campy summer at Vivid Hue Home! Check out some of the other nods to Camp here:

Welcome to the Lake

A 'Campy' Fourth

Camp Wandawega

Relaxing Adirondack Style

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ABC Carpet and Home, A Must

I can get lost for hours in design bliss at ABC Carpet & Home. 

And that's just what I did during my recent visit.  Only it wasn't quite hours of bliss.  But the kids were napping at the hotel.  And I was alone.  For a few minutes.  And that in itself was bliss.

This store is eye candy for decor.

 This pendant light was so unique.  It was made out of paper, like a super sized snow flake.  But that's

 not what impressed me most about it.  It's price tag was only $150.  And at ABC Carpet, that's a steal!

Seven or eight floors.  One right after the other.  Accessories, Pillows, Carpets, Textiles

The details in the design have to be seen in person for full appreciation.  Each stitch is carefully crafted. 

 Each contrasting thread thoughtfully coordinates with the construction.

This experience is more than perusing a home decor store.  Consider it a trip to a museum.  Spend time to appreciate the art work.

It's well worth the trip.  888 Broadway, New York, New York

Fishs Eddy NYC Gem

Every time I go to NYC I have to stop by an old favorite,

Fishs Eddy at Broadway and 19th street. 

It's like browsing through

a 1950's five and dime for everything kitchen related.   It's filled with endless stacks of restaurant dishware-plates, bowls, platters, cups and saucers, creamers and gravy boats. You name it, it is there!

They have a delicious mix of unique odds and ends for dishware. An entire section is devoted to one of a kind cake plates.  They are beautiful and so vibrant. 

Individual pieces of artwork themselves! 

Any color of plate you can imagine.  I've often considered buying a place setting of plates, each in a different color.  

 

They have the best juice glasses. 

And since I am no longer a NYC resident, I look for ways to root myself back to the city. 


There are several NYC themed sets, including 'Drink NYC Tap Water.'  (It really is true that NYC water is renowned for its purity and taste!)

I love the idea of this Bridge and Tunnel line...used to discriminate identify between the people that actually live in Manhattan

and those that need to take a 'bridge or tunnel' to get there. 

Oh sure, it's not a necessarily nice expression but ask any honest NYC dweller and they'll admit to knowing probably using the term.  

For example, when out at a bar with friends, you look around and notice that the crowd is filled with girls that have way too much eye liner and last season's high waisted jeans, you might say to your friends "this place is
sooo bridge and tunnel tonight!*" 
* or 'B and T' for short

I love these little tchotchke's.  They're only 99 cents each and would be fun sitting on each place setting at a mix matched table. 

Here is my husband, EG, on the endless search for cookware grade plates that can be put into a 500 degree oven and then used to serve steaks on a hotter than hell 'warm' plate

(Forget the fact that we nearly singe a circular hole through each guest's spot at the table when we serve the steaks.  Even with three heat resistant place mats at each location). 

  

This trip, I tried to load up
on extra juice glasses,
more coasters,
and mis-matched plates
...but only walked out the door
with a vintage cherry table cloth that looks a lot like this one...

It will be fun to dress the table

with mason jars full of lemonade,

fresh poppies and blue plaid napkins. 

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NYC Weekend, Kid Style

We went to NYC over the weekend
and treated the kids

to a Rangers vs. Bruins hockey game.

My son is one of the few suckers
in the stadium brave enough to
wear a Bruins jersey
in an otherwise sea of blue and red.

He lives and breaths everything hockey. 
He gets to see his favorite Bruins goalie, #30 Tim Thomas, in action. 

He bravely withstands jeers by friendly Rangers fans joking that the poor boy is 'mixed up.'  

After the game we head to an old West Village

favorite, Malatesta. My husband and I

loved this spot when we lived here.
 

You can buy a bottle of wine, appetizers, and entrees for two couples all for under $100 bucks. That's total. 

Not even per couple. 

Taglietelle au Ragu

 

Malatesta offers a taste of Italian authenticity. 

The type of place
were they don't bring your bill until
you request it.

 



Relax, enjoy the company you're with, & sip vino from
juice glasses. 

A local bistro still unscathed by tourism. 
The best kind.

 

 

 

 

Sure, I miss our single and childless adventures
in the city. But it's fun to go back with
the kiddos and make NYC memories with them, too. 



I always tell them they must live in the city at least once in their lives. 
And I really believe that. 

I think NYC teaches independence and provides a life lesson that can't be learned elsewhere. 

I tell Jack this in our hotel lobby Saturday. 
I finish my New York endorsement with,

'Trust me, Mommy knows
what she's talking about.' 

He replies playfully, 'You don't know everything.' 

Silly boy. I decide to play along. 
'Oh yes i do'...

He contemplates for a minute then
asks, 'OK, then who created God?'

ok kid. Let's head over to the bar for another Shirley Temple, extra cherries. Mamma needs a martini.

One difference about a city weekend
with the kids is that we're done with drinks, appetizers and dinner by 8pm. 
(Huh? *real* NYC'ers choose
to call this a 'late lunch').  

 

We head back to the room with the kids, rent a movie and watch it snuggled in one bed as a family. 

EG and I usually snake a $20 beer 

from the in room bar as a

'night cap' then drift off to sleep. 

Just as I'm caught up in my daydream about city living we pack up the car and head back to Connecticut. 

I'll keep it clean and omit the part about
stripping our son  Timmy Thomas, Jr.
down to his skivvies on the corner of 8th ave after he tosses his cookies in our car

before we even leave the city. 

 

 

 

Today I'm home with two sick kiddos- croup and a tummy bug.  But lots of new memories with the kids in the city.

Back to decor tomorrow!