Taking care of yourself over the holiday season

I'm back with this week's installment of Holiday Bliss!
When you are done please stop by and visit all the other contributor's blogs as well. They are delightful!

Photo, Courtesy Martha Stewart

As the frenziness of the season quickly approaches we must remember to look after ourselves. The days are getting shorter and it may seem that our already too short days are getting even shorter. But our agendas and calendars are brimming and we often have so much written we have to carry it over to another day. (Yes I have an iPhone and yes there is plenty of room for all my To-Dos, but I prefer my old fashioned paper agenda!)

In addition to our already hectic schedules, especially those of us who have children, we have to factor in parties for us, parties for them. Class parties which require home baked good and party favors are certain to crop up at the very last moment. "But, Mo-o-o-o-m, I needed this yesterday!" The Party store will be out of everything you need. For example, yesterday at 3pm I suddenly remember I needed little goody bag trinkets. I had to be at school at 3:30, of course. So I ran off to Party City and I swear I saw no Halloween goodies, but red and green everywhere!

Do not wait for sales over the Holiday Season. Oftentimes you will across a great bargain, especially now as our economy is in the crapper, but wait for what you want to be further reduced and you'll be sorely disappointed because the verylastone of what you wanted will have walked out with that person in the beige coat, that person right there! So you'll end up driving across three states (which is not so terrible in Connecticut or Rhode Island) only to still come up empty-handed. Not worth it!

Start shopping early. The same can be said for wrapping. My husband is a notorious last-minute shopper. And while shopping on Christmas Eve really is exciting, staying up until 4:00am and then realizing that there is not quite enough paper to quite cover this one present is not fun at all!

Start your lists now. Make lists of people who need gifts, people who need tips, and any volunteer work you will be doing. This will help with organizing your time and finances. If you plan on baking a lot start locating your recipes now. There are fabulous sales on all sorts of baking ingredients. Stock up now!

Prep-Work. If you are a big baker as I am and plan on giving lots of home made goodies to friends, teachers, co-workers and want to try that fabulous new recipe, try it out ahead of time so that when the time comes you are not making 12 Caramel Spice Cakes that all taste Godawful!

Make sure you and your family eat healthy. We often tend to eat and run as we get busy. Often the foods we serve to accommodate this busier lifestyle are not as healthy. (It's easier to scarf down a slice of pizza than it is a nice salad.) And do make sure you can eat as a family a few nights a week as well. It's important to stay connected. Often we live together but our schedules are so varied that we don't have time to be together.


Make some time every day to relax. This is the most crucial. Whether it is getting to the gym, taking a long bath or shower, enjoying a nice glass of wine or crawling into bed a few minutes earlier with a good book. (And your wine!) Do it. It makes all the difference.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. It's been said over and over and over again. I'm just learning how to do it. But sometimes we need to focus on the bigger picture at hand. If the sink is full at night, or crumbs are on the kitchen floor just let it go. You can tackle it in the morning when you are not so exhausted. And if you are lucky enough to have a Roomba, turn it on as you walk out of the house!

Imperfections are Okay. As perfectionists we sometimes waste valuable energy trying to perfect our craft. But sometimes those little imperfections can make something you've created even better. I know on a few occasions some of my mistakes have turned into my greatest hits!


Take care of your health. Get plenty of exercise. Join a gym. Now's a much better time than in January! Exercise will help keep you relaxed and healthy and fight off all those annoying winter illnesses. It's marvelous for toning the body and clearing the head. Get some friends and join a spinning, Zumba, yoga or pilates class. Eat plenty of fruit and veggies. Drink lots of water. Take those vitamins you've been shirking and get plenty of rest. Do not use lack of time as an exercise excuse. We can all squeeze a few extra minutes into our day a few times a week. Perhaps we'll hit the gym instead of the restaurant!


Take time to enjoy the seasons! As you are rushing around try to pay notice to the all the wonderful and joyous sights and sounds around you. You'll be amazed at how good this makes you feel!

And from time to time treat yourself to something nice. If Peppermint Mocha Lattes in Red Cups are your thing, then by all means have a cup and enjoy it!

****

Housewife Bliss  How to prepare for unexpected guests

Mindy Lockard Trick or Treat Etiquettes.

Pemberley Collections Hosting an Open-house
The Entertaining House A surprise awaits

Lily Lemon Tree Holiday Style: Defining Modern Festive-Raindeer Sweaters and Jingle Bell Earrings Need Not Apply!

Ab home Interiors Festive Tablescapes:  A guide to true Southern style
Tatertots and Jello A Holiday Table Setting Craft
Lucky Life Parties  Creative and Inexpensive Party Favors
The Daily Basics  Beautiful Gift Wrapping ideas

taking time out... to be a mom!

There is too much I have to do. My plate is seriously overflowing. I do have a problem saying no especially when I am asked to do something that I really enjoy. I'm getting behind on my writing and getting behind on my household stuff. But today was about the kids. Rebecca had a friend over after school. They were practicing for their school's Iron Chef Competition. Isn't that the greatest idea?! I went out to the grocery store this morning to get all the ingredients that the girls would need. I washed the fruit. I got out cutting boards, knives, blenders, measuring cups and spoons and ingredients. I had also volunteered to make cookies and cupcakes for the boys' classes. And somehow I would have to fit those in as well. And how could I forget the goodies for the Halloween bags?! But of course I did. So I had to run out to get those.

I baked (nothing fancy -- packaged mixes as well as those that require just a slice and a bake) while the kids were in school this afternoon. And while the girls cooked I decorated. I was not able to get as elaborate as I had wanted as I had to be accessible and available to help the girls. But I have to tell you, it's amazing what a few sprinkles and a few plastic creatures can do!

Some of their tools

 

Their ingredients...

Devising up a plan...

Clean up's gonna be fun!

Holy guacamole...

Tomato sauce

The BEST refried beans, EVER!

Working well together!

Yes, I went running to the cupboard for Mother's Little Helper!

and now on to decorate the cookies and the cupcakes!

Excuse me Sir, there's a  fly on my cupcake!

Alexander wanted his cupcakes plain. He did not want to share the plastic critters.
"I don't want the kids to bring the toys home!"

Look at something as if for the very first time...

Too often we fly through life barely coming to a full stop. Sometimes life forces you to slow down. Sometimes you have to force yourself to slow down. The holiday season is almost upon us and we'll have fewer opportunities to do so. My shoulder surgery last Spring forced me to not only slow down, but to come to a complete stop. Initially, it was a hard thing to do. But in the end, I saw the benefits and so now, whether I am coasting or speeding along life's highway, I make sure I take the time to look around and appreciate the beauty all around me. I have learned to make time. Our days are busy and full, but there is always time to stop and smell the roses... or, as in my case, take in the amazing, wondrous sights of our fabulous New England foliage. And be sure to look at whatever it is as though you've never seen it before. The beauty around you is tremendous!

XOXO

 

 

The view from my front door at 8:22 am, Sunday October 24, 2010

Despite the lack of rain this summer our autumn is turning out to be simply spectacular! It is truly my favorite time of the year. I love everything associated with this time of year... the sights and smells. I love my fall wardrobe and putting on sweaters and light jackets and knowing that our fireplace will soon be in use... I love baking with fall fruit and the aromas that swirl around the kitchen when this happens resulting in delicious treats and happy faces from happy children. Fall tends to be a busy time of year for families with children involved in sports. We tend to rush, rush, rush. But today,  I am going to slow down.

As I was walking downstairs a short while ago, I noticed all the spectacular colors outside the large foyer window. I poured myself a cup of coffee and grabbed my camera. I stepped outdoors (remembering in the nick of time to turn off the alarm!) and took pictures from just outside our entryway.

I decided, after looking out and taking in the beauty all around, that today I would slow down and enjoy my day. I've had a rough week.

I got my first agent rejection letter. Ok, so it wasn't really a rejection letter. It basically said that the material could not be used as submitted. I should feel free to call this week to discuss with her or I could work with another agent if I already have one lined up. I will follow up with a phone call. I would love to hear her thoughts. I think, also, she needs a clearer view of my vision.

It is suspected my Alexander may have ADHD. I was shocked when I heard this but now, after watching him, I may concur with teachers and learning specialists. He will be evaluated over the next couple of weeks. Christopher was diagnosed with ADHD at the same age. Their symptoms are quite different.

Rebecca was diagnosed with pneumonia this week. A lifelong asthmatic she has had issues with this many times over the course of her not terribly long life. She is getting better now.

Alexander crawled into bed with me last night. Snuggled. Clung to me as though he was clinging for dear life. Snoring incredibly loudly. I could tell he was struggling to breathe through his little congested nose. He's been lying quietly next to me all morning. This is not like him at all. He feels warm to the touch and has fallen back asleep. He denied the Motrin but took the decongestant...

So I will take it easy today. I will nurse my little one and tidy up the house... Perhaps I'll bake something... perhaps I'll work on a nice big pot of soup... Perhaps I'll write some more... perhaps I will get some reading done. If I can I'll sneak out to my older boy's soccer game. He has a home game... Alexander might like to be outdoors later. Or maybe he'll want to stay in bed in his Christmas pajamas... either way is OK with me... We'll enjoy a nice slow day... together!

Marketing Get Together for a Great Cause: Pretty in Pink 4 Life

"The Pretty in Pink 4 Life Bench"

Last Thursday I had the amazing opportunity to attend  

Irwin and Marcy Feld's Mid Century Antiques Fall Networking Event sponsored by
New England Home Magazine.

I had the pleasure of meeting Marcy a month prior as we stood on line together for the Nate Berkus blogging show. We chatted and hit it off immediately. (Though I cannot imagine Marcy not hitting it off with anyone!) While on line (as opposed to on-line) she told me of this networking event and invited me to join her. I was both honored and touched.

Not only was this social meet and greet designed to get designers and writers and all sorts of people together, but the evening's event had a special component to it. The night would also recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a most fabulous piece of pink furniture (as shown in the above photo) would go on sale with all the proceeds going to the Susan G Komen Foundation. 

I asked Marcy about the bench. "The 'Pretty in Pink 4 Life' bench is a special bench for a very important cause. This amazing polished chrome bench with a grid-upholstered top in magnificent pink boucle is specially priced at $1800 (a multiple of 18, which in Hebrew means life)." Marcy was quick to tell me that "All the proceeds from the sale of this beautiful piece of furniture will go to Komen CT. If you’ll notice, the top of the bench is not one continuous piece of fabric, but rather a grid of seamed pieces that symbolize the connectivity and collaboration that are crucial for finding a cure. 'It takes a village to raise a child' and many individuals coming together to raise awareness and funds for a common cause."

Marcy and Irwin Feld are committed to supporting Komen CT and hope that through their success, they can motivate other small businesses to follow suit and show them that with a little imagination and a lot of gumption, they can help raise both awareness as well as funds for Komen and other causes.
The Felds are true marketers and motivators.

The bench still has not been sold... The asking price is $1800. Wouldn't it look lovely in your home? Any room would do, really... And think, your purchase would be a very generous, charitable donation!

The event was certainly grand... the sponsors from New England Home were delightful... Marcy and Irwin Feld were charming and gracious. There was plenty of networking and plenty of friendships were being formed. The evening was amazing and successful evening on all counts. I am honored to have been invited and honored to have been in the presence of such a wonderfully talented group of people.

The Feld's Showroom is nothing less than spectacular. I should not have left my good camera behind. These photos, taken with my small point and shoot, do not justify the beauty and "coolness" of the gallery.

Below, are some photos of our evening and the fabulous gallery for you to enjoy. In advance, apologies for poor photo qualities!

Marcy and Irwin Feld thanking New England Home for sponsoring the evening and Anne Morris, of Susan G Komen, for coming to support their cause.

Anne Morris speaks to all the guests 

The evening's sponsor

Before I take you through their wonderful gallery, I would like to tell you about our gracious hosts, Marcy and Irwin Feld.

Marcy graduated from Queens College and  Majored in Accounting. "Yes, it is true, despite wanted to be a writing major, I ended up as an accounting major because I was 'Good in Math' and my mother did not believe I would or could make a living as a writer. Needless to say, I never worked a day in my 'field of choice,'" Marcy explains. She continued, "Amazingly we lived parallel lives even before we met. 

Irwin went to Boston University and majored in Business despite wanting to study Art & Design. His father, a Holocaust survivor felt the same way about Art & Design, as my mother felt about writing."

I asked Marcy how long they have had the furniture gallery. They have been at their present location for just over four years, "but Irwin’s venture into Mid Century furnishings began in 2003 when he took a small booth at one of the local antiques centers. A true modernist, Irwin brought modern design to Fairfield County at a time when it was 99% traditional. That small booth generated enough revenue and eventually grew to a series of spaces in Stamford and New York, focusing on mid century design. In 2006, Irwin brought it all under one roof at his present location. In 2008, he started collaborating with Steve Cassler of Mid Century Antiques and in 2010, they became business partners, blending their businesses and housing them together."

  

Now, won't you have a walk through the gallery with me?

If you would like to purchase the Pink Bench or view any of these, or other wonderful items, Mid Century Antiques is located at 583 Pacific Street in Stamford, Connecticut.

203-588-0567
info@irwinfeld.com
www.irwinfelddesign.com
www.midcenturyantiques.com