Mother's Day Gifts: Do, Make, or Buy

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I'm highlighting some of my favorite gifts to give or receive.

Initial Jewelry

Initial Jewelry is beautiful & timeless.  My BFF has the Roberto Coin necklace which I am in love with but there are many options at different price points.  These necklaces would look great with the kids' first initials or even just the initial of the person receiving the necklace.  You can't go wrong with this gift!  Hint Hint Hubby..... :)

Watches

Watches are an accessory that can change an outfit!  There are so many beautiful watches.  Oversized watches for women are very popular right now.  There are so many in various colors and sizes.  I wear a rose gold watch which is my favorite but I really like white or yellow gold as well.  I don't usually buy watches for myself so I always love receiving a watch as a gift!

DIY: Picture on Wood

I made this DIY Picture on wood a little while ago and it was fairly easy!  I love the way it turned out and get lots of compliments on it.  It could be just my babies cheekies that get me the praise although, it did turn out pretty amazing I must say!

This is a very thoughtful gift that doesn't cost a lot of money and takes just a little bit of time.  Any mom would love it!

I plan on doing a DIY Tutorial early next week.  Stay tuned......

Pajamas

Pajamas are a great gift for anyone!  For whatever reason I always neglect to buy Pajamas for myself. I prefer a little sexy and a lot comfy.  However, there are a lot of great styles and price points to choose from!

Home Made Breakfast/Brunch

Breakfast foods are no doubt yummy!  Making your loved one breakfast so they can either stay in bed or just lounge around is a perfect gift for Mother's Day.  I don't typically eat a huge breakfast during the week simply because the mornings are pretty busy.  So, a weekend with a full breakfast or brunch that I DON'T have to prepare sounds lovely!

One of my new favorite recipes is Ricotta Pancakes.  They are protein packed, light and fluffy, and taste A-mazing!   And, they aren't totally shrouded in guilt after eating since they are made of natural ingredients with lots of protein.  

I'll be posting the recipe next week in time for Mother's Day.  Don't forget to check back!

Whatever you choose to do, make, or buy it's sure to be a sweet surprise!  I hope all the mommy's out there have a fabulous day!

Good Friends are Like Stars: A Girls Night Out in NYC

"Good friends are like stars.  

You don't always see them 

but you know they are always there."

- Christy Evans

This weekend 5 of my college girlfriends got together for a fun filled girls night out in NYC.  It's not often we are all in one place at the same time but it always promises to be a night filled with lot's of good food, drinks, dancing, and abundance of laughter!  What more could you ask for?

We started our night out at Print Restaurant which was an urban farm to table restaurant in Hell's Kitchen.  The food and atmosphere were outstanding but the company and conversation even better!

After dinner we made our up to the rooftop bar The Press Lounge  with it's stunning views and creative cocktails.

Sorry for the grainy photo!  I wanted to give you an idea of the gorgeous view!

I am loving rompers lately since they are so comfortable and look great for either a night time look or even dressed down for daytime.  I was wearing a black jumpsuit (similar here and here), this belt, these earrings, and peep toe booties (similar here and here).  

We were looking for live music so we made our way over to Times Square and ended up at The Playwrite Tavern listening to live music by Enda Kegan.  This definitely took us back to our college days singing along to good music and enjoying a few drinks.

Our night wouldn't be complete without some dancing!!!  We ended the wee hours of the morning at 3 Monkey's Bar.  This is the city that doesn't sleep after all and we were following suit!

Needless to say we had a GREAT night out!  There is no substitute for time with your girlfriends to keep you feeling young and refreshed!   We are already planning our next trip!  Can't wait!

Family Day Out: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Rejoice!  Spring has finally sprung in New York!  We wanted to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather so we decided to take drive to one of our favorite NYC spots, Brooklyn Bridge Park!  

View of Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 1 @ Brooklyn Bridge Park

There is so much to do at the park, especially for families!  We parked in the neighborhood streets close to Pier 6.  Brooklyn Bridge Park spans from Pier 1 to Pier 6.  There is also a garage at Pier 6, however we always opt to find parking in the neighborhood streets and walk a bit to the park.

Little J is wearing this jacket, jeans (similar here), and sneakers (similar here and here)

We stopped first at the playground area where there are swings, giant slides, climbing structures, and in the warmer weather an amazing sprinkler play area for the kids!  This first stop is key since it gives our boys time to run it out and get hungry for lunch.

Little J is wearing swim suit/rash guard  size 3T (similar here and here) &
Little T is wearing this swim suit/rash guard size 12M.

For lunch we usually pack up some food for Little J and Little T and then find something for ourselves. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place for a picnic!  There are plenty of areas to sit in front of the water or on one of the piers.  There are also some grassy areas in and around the park.  We opted for lunch at Fornino where we purchased ready-made salads and sandwiches.  Fornino is also known for it's wood fired pizza which looked and smelled YUM!

After lunch we took the kids to another play area at Pier 5.  They had a blast climbing the rope structure and playing in the toddler area.

This picture was take in August 2015 at Pier 5 Brooklyn Bridge Park

After running them around for a bit it was just about nap time which gave us a chance to take them for a walk up the park to Pier 1.  The views of the city were stunning on a clear day.  Totally worth the walk!  The kids enjoyed it too since it gave them some time to mellow out and for Little T to eventually fall asleep!

I'm wearing this top and this tank. Some of my favorite athleisure wear.

Overall, an amazing day out with the family!  Get yourself out for some sun, fun, and beautiful views at Brooklyn Bridge Park!  You won't regret it!