Hope and Progress

As we wake each day to the news of increasing violence, inhumane behaviors and social injustices, it's easy to understand why as parents we sometimes can't help but to feel paralyzed by the fear of raising a child in today's world. But on days like today we are reminded of the progress and strides we've taken to make the world a better place for our children. Today we are part of history. Today we are part of the solution. 

"One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change."

--Martin Luther King Jr.

"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose the courage to be, that quality that helps you on on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream."

 --Martin Luther King Jr. 

"You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country's course. 

You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time -- not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals." 

--President Barack Obama 1.21.2013

image via

Mama + Babe

Clare Viver Neon Flat Stripe Clutch for you, Neon Yellow Toe Cap Schier shoes for the babe.

The Spirit of the Fox

My new year began with a dream where I found myself crossing paths with a friendly fox. It turns out, spirit animals typically show themselves to you in unexpected ways. Foxes have always captured my attention, but not quite like the one featured in the artwork of T.C. Cannon, an artist I came across serendipitously over the weekend. Do you know your spirit animal?

{found via}

Nothing can dim the light...

This inspirational poster was created by Samantha Hahn and Erin Jang in support of DwellStudio's bake sale for Sandy relief. Co-hosted by Joanna Goddard, the kid-friendly event runs from 12-3 today and all proceeds will be donated to The Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Relief Efforts. The print can be downloaded here.

Sandy Relief Efforts

The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy has been tremendous. And the road to recovery is a long one but people continue to come together to help one another on this journey. And there are still many ways to donate time, money and supplies to the relief efforts. Here are some resources in NJ and NY that include ways to help this weekend, and these Facebook pages are great for up-to-the minute info: Jersey City, Hoboken, Moonachie, Jersey Shore, Coney Island, Rockaway, NYC and NJ.

image via

Women Visionaries

Last year I blogged about Christy Turglington Burn's amazing organization Every Mother Counts and her mission to support maternal health-relief efforts worldwide. It really struck a cord with me and I've since supported and followed the progress of her efforts. Now she is being honored as one of Conde Nast Traveler's 1012  Visionaries, along with other female trailblazers including Susan Sarandon, for her global philanthropic work. While the list of honorees is impressive, there's nothing like amazing women doing amazing things. 

Hope you have an inspiring weekend!

Photography by Melanie Rodriguez

I'm captivated by the work of Paris-based photographer Melanie Rodriguez. Her artistic pictures evoke the essence of intimate moments and beautiful stories. And there's truly something special about the way she captures the love between a mother and child.  Melanie also boasts a portfolio of some pretty cool editorial spreads for magazines like Codigo 0640 and the lovely Paper Mache. Check out her amazing work here and on her blog.

Jenna Lyons

NY Magazine's The Cut has a slideshow on Jenna's outfits through the years. She makes fall fashion look so chic and cozy.

Brooklyn Jam

It's Family Day tomorrow at Dekalb Market with 8 year old wonder DJ Kai Song and the Spanish children’s music duo Acopladitos.

Last Days of Summer

As the summer slowness moves into the fast pace of fall these images from photographer Julie Blackmon serve as a great reminder to relish the "fantastic elements of our everyday lives."

Blackmon's photographs are inspired by her experience of growing up in a large family, her current role as both mother and photographer, and the timelessness of family dynamics. As the oldest of nine children and mother to three, Blackmon uses her own family members and household to "move beyond the documentary to explore the fantastic elements of our everyday lives." -via Wikipedia 

 

 

 

via Girls Gone Child

you're invited: madewell stye sessions

There are a lot of things Madewell does really well. They make great jeans. They capture pattern, texture and detail in a really cool way. And they've got a great eye for finding under-the-radar brands. But what I love most is their knack for pulling it all together in a seriously stylish yet laid-back way. Which is why I'm excited to be a part of the Madewell Style Sessions happening this Thursday at the Garden State Plaza store. Come on down to sip and shop with some cool tunes, special deals and lots of summer style tips. RSVP here. Hope to see you there.

Being Present in Motherhood

In honor of the amazing experiences motherhood brings, here are some words of wisdom from yogi-mamas on how yoga has helped them be better mothers. They're all great reminders to be present for all of the wonderful moments with your little ones. Happy Mother's Day!

"Yoga has taught me how to take one more moment to attune myself to my son. When I remember to do this, we both experience a profound connection to each other and to ourselves." Elena Brower

"Because of my practice I know that I won't get any moments of this life back and that makes every moment a precious jewel that I keep close and sacred. My drishti is on my boys, like a laser. And that beam of consciousness, like all drishtis lights the way." Stephanie Snyder

"Yoga grounds me and has helped me learn to stay in the present moment, appreciating the miracles that lie before me. I know that the virtues of patience peace and calm are benefits of my yoga practice that I weave into my everyday life as a parent." Latham Thomas

"Yoga teaches us to trust ourselves, to strengthen in some places, and to soften, heal and open in others, to see ourselves clearly, to know ourselves deeply, and to uncover what is true for us. Over the last 20 years, it has taught me to treat myself with compassion, kindness and patience, to be less reactive and more responsive, to listen well, to breathe deeply, and to tap into that limitless well of love and joy we all possess naturally. I feel I'm able to offer those qualities to my children as a result, and to recognize that these two little beings are the greatest miracles in my life. There is no doubt in my mind that I'm a better mom because of yoga." Ally Hamilton

{More on this and one woman's honest take on motherhood at MindBodyGreen}

a haiku for feist

Feist’s concert at Radio City this past weekend was mind-blowing. There are few words to describe how magical her voice is, so I decided to write a haiku.

your sensual voice
hauntingly mesmerizing
echoes in my soul.

word.

{image here}

Crafting Community

We're off to the desert for some fun in the sun at the Crafting Community at the Ace Palm Springs. The weekend retreat is designed to bring families closer together in creative ways including cool interactive workshops, creative crafting and tons of poolside fun. We're excited to kick back and craft in the desert sun. There's something really magical about the desert that soothes the soul.

Earth Day Peace Flags

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate by having your little one explore and collect found objects in nature to create these Earth Day Peace Flags.