A Townhouselady's Life

Woo Hoo Mui Mui!

2011-09-06T21:40:00.000-04:00

Loosing my mind over these shoes...

Mui Mui Glitter Peep Toe Ankle Boots

Oxidized

2011-08-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

I love the used of mixed materials on the Runway Caged Wedge by Reed Krakoff

here

Did You Here A Click?

2011-08-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

This is the best thing I've seen in years.
I super-duper heart Frank & Rita!

P.S. Frank's a lucky guy! That Rita is hot stuff.

Man's Best Friend- The Search-and-Rescue Dogs of 9/11

2011-08-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Search-and-Rescue Dogs of 9/11

Photographs by Charlotte Dumas of privately owned dogs who were mobilized, with their owners, to search for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. They are now retired.

Pictures of all of the dogs and their stories at NY Times Magazine

Slippery When Wet

2011-08-09T23:47:00.001-04:00

We had monsoon like rains here and I'd have been fine with that had I one of these sweet pairs of rain boots.

Nothing says, "Hey, up yours Mother Nature!" like a pair of biker inspired rain boots.

Burberry

KORS Michael Kors

Steve Madden

All available at Zappos

Well Read

2011-08-08T22:32:00.000-04:00

I think most of you who've been following me for a bit know how much I love a good illustrator. Now that my days are filled with endless streams of children's books, some good, some not so good, I appreciate the art form even more. I stumbled across this book and just fell head over heels with the illustrations and not for nothing the premise for the story is pretty fabu as well:

Panni Kövecses’s debut book is a kids’ detective story, which takes place in a small seaside town during summer vacation. We join Erik and Nipper in their hunt for the stolen canary, photo camera and horn-rimmed glasses to discover who is the unexpected thief behind all these mysterious disappearances. Thanks to the author’s graphic design background, this charming story is enhanced by a stunning illustration using great colors, lovely characters and some fabulous mid-century atmosphere. This book makes a perfect first for children who are just discovering the joy of reading.

It looks like The Wee One is getting anew addition to her bookshelf!

Lajka Books

Pop Garden

2011-08-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

here

Rock Paper Scissors

2011-08-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

here

Have We MET?

2011-08-02T12:38:00.000-04:00

Bracelet with Agathodaimon, Isis-Tyche, Aphrodite, and Terenouthis

1st century B.C.–A.D. 1st century

Egypt

From the Collection at the MET
here

Listening To: Cee Lo Green

2011-08-01T21:04:00.002-04:00

Calling all moms (and dads)

2011-08-01T13:59:00.000-04:00

I need a little advice- Do any of you out there have kids with sensitive skin? My daughter has developed an allergy to her current laundry detergent Dreft which is supposed to be super gentle for babies skin.

Anything you guys can recommend from first hand experience? There are so many free and clear all natural brands out there.

Thanks a million-

The Towqnbhouselady & Baby

Caution, Curves Ahead!

2011-08-01T09:31:00.000-04:00

here

Nice Bush

2011-07-29T14:30:00.008-04:00

A little background...

I spent the summer of 1980 in England. I was just a little kid and music videos were the new big thing so you'd see them played in between shows. There was one song I heard many 2-3 times and I loved it. I sang it all that summer. When I got back to The States none of my friends had heard it. So alone, I sang. To this day I still frequently hum the chorus but could never remember what the words were or who the artist was. I've even hum it to almost everyone I meet who's "into music", shoot I've even been so shameless as to hum it to a few people in the music industry (I worked in a pretty famous recording studio for a couple years) but no-one could tell me what song I was humming. I started to wonder if I was remembering it wrong or if it was something that my child's mind made up.

Cut to today...

I'm putting together this post with the Babushka ring featured below. All of a sudden I'm humming the song...with lyrics!!!

"Babooshka babooshka babooshka ya ya.."

Apparently the deep dark recesses in my brain decided to pop open and share the information it had secreted away from me for the last 31 years! A quick internet search later and BINGO I'm playing it, THE song- Babooshka by Kate Bush. As it turns out it was never released in the States (only England and Australia) hence no-one I knew recognizing it.

oh yeah, so here's the ring:

here

More importantly though is the awesome song that has delighted/haunted me for
the last 31 years- Babooshka by Kate Bush

I know, it's awesome right?? If you like it do yourself a favor and bookmark it.

Sorry ring, the song stole your thunder, for me at least. More likely than not though most people will like you more than my old story and song.

Short Sighted

2011-07-29T13:29:00.000-04:00

Love this...

Striking!

2011-07-28T10:21:00.000-04:00

St. Kilda Long Matchstick Earrings

Cat Rabbit

2011-07-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

My daughter, it seems, has a strong affinity for all things doll. Her momma has an affinity for quirky artisans. So it's no surprise that Cat Rabbit is my new obsession.

"Cat-Rabbit is a Melbourne based textile artist who spends equal amounts of time sewing, drinking tea and thinking about owning a pug dog. Her work has been exhibited in Australia and internationally and is stocked in various nice stores online and in real life."

I absolutely must acquire one of these spectacular creatures. I'll say it's for the little one but really it's he momma who's wanting one of these to join our menagerie.

Sit On It

2011-07-26T22:31:00.000-04:00

Paul Follot c1925-30 France

here

Valentinohmyword!

2011-07-26T13:33:00.000-04:00

It always amazes me that someone that could create leather goods as beautiful as

this

and

this

tans his own hide like....

this

He needs better friends.

Gimme Gimme

2011-07-25T22:23:00.001-04:00

I'm a sucker for a big showy ring and rare stones. This is all that and then some.

Sara Weinstock Starburst & Labradorite Ring

here

In Memoriam- Amy Winehouse

2011-07-24T14:32:00.000-04:00

Rest in peace, at last dear Amy

Listening To- Lykke Li

2011-03-12T18:53:00.002-05:00

LOVE!

Halston's Hideaway

2011-02-14T10:03:00.000-05:00

A recent trip to a book sale at the New York Public Library yielded a few gems. One of them being the 1981 book "Living Well" The New York Times book of Home Design and Decoration edited by Carrie Donovan. It contained lots of good eye candy, and a whole bunch of WTF but there was one that made me stop dead in my tracks.

Now, I need to preface this by saying I have been really sick of all of the regurgitated design that I've been seeing lately. Same image, different blog/zine. All of the images are blurring into one another.

I'm just not feeling it anymore.

So when I saw these shots of the interior of Halston's NYC townhouse, it knocked me out.

Just like everything Halston designed it's so completely timeless, classic and elegant

I want to travel back in time and attend a party here after Halston, Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, Diana Ross, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and I stumble back from Studio 54.

Nuit Numero 12

2011-02-11T10:03:00.001-05:00

Nuit Numero12

i heart ila&i

2011-02-10T10:29:00.001-05:00

I first discovered the work of brother and sister design team ila&i's when I came across a beautiful locket at one of my favorite stores in Brooklyn The Clay Pot. Since then I've been lusting after their work. I think it has such a unique quality to it while still retaining a certain elegance.

One of the things I find to be most fantastic is that they strive to be a green design company. All of ila&i's jewelry is made from recycled and reclaimed precious metal. This means no new mines were dug to create any of these beautiful pieces. To see more of these works of art visit their website.

p.s. my favorite? The bottle locket. LOVE!!

Andrastea Locket

Ansley Ring

Bottle Locket

Gael Hoops


Giovanni Rose


Paris Locket


Rava RoseCut Drop


Vahni

In the Po(e) House

2011-02-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

The city that named it's NFL team The Ravens in honor of Edgar Allan Poe has cut funding to the Edgar Allan Poe House.

Baltimore officials have ordered the city's Committee for Historic and Architectural Preservation to implement a plan to operate the museum without using public funds by July 2012.

The museum, in a row house where Poe lived from late 1832 or early 1833 until 1835, operates on an annual budget of $85,000.

The Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore addresses the issue on it's website

via & via

Hat-Stache

2011-02-04T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Townhousbaby MUST have this!

Baby Beardling

Fun for the whole family

Beardling

As seen at Trend de la Creme

Call Me

2011-02-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Christian Dior Black Mother of Pearl Phone

Listening To: The Black Keys

2011-02-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just love these guys. Such a great bluesy sound and one heck of an original video!

Miss Lanvin

2011-02-02T09:45:00.001-05:00

I'm more than a little obsessed with Lanvin. So of course I'm head over heals for these limited edition of Miss Lanvin dolls inspired from the Lanvin collection.

Happy Mother's Day? (hint hint)

This HAD to be modeled after the lovely Jill

here

It's A Sin

2011-02-01T11:33:00.004-05:00

I found this posting sitting back in my archives. Not quite sure why I didn't post it...C'est la vie!


By Stephen Webster

Says Webster of the collection, “In the context of the 21st century, the seven deadly sins my not be admirable but are no longer considered punishable by death. And whilst everyone knows what each of the sins represent, not everyone knows the individual punishments administered in hell by the old devil himself…”


Envy

Pave set black and white diamonds, tsavorites and a green tourmaline center stone.
This ring is one my favorites in the collection. I do love my green and the setting is dreamy.
Eyelashes as prongs- brilliant.


Gluttony

Pave set rubies, agate inlay and a fire opal center stone.
Could you just die for that fire opal? I could stare into it for hours.

Lust

Tanzanite

Lust is right! This is my all time favorite gemstone, and the stone in my engagement ring. The color of this one is absolutely exquisite I can almost see the faintest hint of the red flashing which is so hard to capture in photographs under the hand on the right.

Pride

The ring itself is blue titanium with pink sapphires and a amethyst center stone


Sloth

red enamel inlay and blue topaz.


Wrath

white diamonds, rubies, black enameling and a red garnet center stone.

The deep blood red color of this almandine garnet is intoxicating. Don't you just love a ring that's wearing jewelry?


Greed

diamonds
This is where he loses me.

This looks like a cheap 1980's hip-hop ring ring found in a Vegas pawn shop. I wish he'd tried a little harder with this one.

via

Get Sprung

2011-02-01T10:11:00.007-05:00

See this? This is my backyard. I know what you thinking, "Backyard? What backyard? All I see is a big white snow drift.".

Let me assure you it is indeed a backyard as outlined by the ~~rickety~~ rustic fence that surrounds it. I can not wait until the spring when the snow thaws, the flowers start to bloom. I want to once again see...

this...

and this...

and these...

and I really love these...

and most especially this...

Mummy cat how'd you sneak in here?

In fact, I have some pretty big plans for this backyard. I've been looking at backyard swing sets for the Townhousebaby. I know, "A swing set? but that backyard is just a postage stamp." Well, yes and no. While it's only 17 feet wide, not uncommon for a row house in the city, our lot is considered extremely deep at 171 feet. At first I thought I'd either a)have to turn it sideways or b)have it custom made or c)scrap the idea and just keep going to the nearby park. Luckily, I discovered that those good folks over at CSN stores have a store that specializes in swingsets and has a pretty big variety of the smaller single and double swing kinds.

That said, I am super excited because they've offered me the opportunity to review a product from any one of their 200+ stores! Now, I'm a little bummed that given the insane freezing tundra situation that's currently going on at The Townhouse I won't be able to review a swing set but hey, I'm more than happy to peruse though their extensive selection of products and find something else. When I do I'll be sure to share with you all.

Bite Me!

2011-01-31T09:22:00.002-05:00

I'm a pretty darn good cook. I'm not always a frou frou cook but I'd say I have about a 93.74% approval rating. I use recipes sometimes but most of the time I just scan the contents of my veggie bins, pantry and fridge and make something on the fly.

Tonight's selection was a combination of the classic scalloped potato and a sheppard's pie. I had some ground beef, random veggies, a block of horseradish cheddar and a pile of potatoes.

I actually made this for the first time last week and it was quite fabu so this time I thought I'd take a few shots and blog it up. It's easy, it's cheap, and it makes a ton (for us at least) of leftovers. We're going to call it

The Scalloped Sheppard

Like I said, I don't have a real recipe so just follow along with the pics and you'll be able to recreate it, promise!

1- dice up some onions (1 medium), carrots (3 sticks), celery (2 stalks) and saute on medium in a pan with a little olive oil until they get just slightly softened. Add a few minced cloves of garlic right at the end along with salt, pepper and whatever other spices you like. I used- parsley, paprika, and a heaping Tbsp of my favorite curry of all time. I know, curry is one of those things you either like it or you don't so if you don't, just skip it. If you do, I would highly recommend you source this one out:

The best! (thank you R E-B)

2- I don't know why I didn't photograph this but, next you brown the ground beef or turkey whatever you like (about 1- 1.5 lbs.) in the pan with the vegetables, I use a 95% lean G.B. so I don't need to drain it. If you have a fattier beef do it in a separate pan, drain it, then toss it in with the veggies so the flavors meld.

There it is! The browned ground beef lurking in the background.

3- Next prepare you pan. I butter it and then coat the sides with breadcrumbs. Same theory as buttering and flouring a cake pan (side note: I never flour a cake pan I butter and then use granular sugar instead of flour it looks prettier when it comes out of the pan).
The ideal pan for this would be a springform but I lost my good springform pan when we moved (how I don't know) and I've yet to replace it so I just improvised with this large Pyrex.

4- Shred a block of cheddar (the horseradish cheddar ROCKED b.t.w.) or whatever hard cheese you'd like to use.

5- Thinly slice ( 1/8th inch thick ) a bunch of potatoes. I just peel a few, keep them in a bowl with ice water (to stop them from browning) slicing each as I go this way I don't end up with a whole bunch of extra sliced potatoes at the end. Whole peeled will store for a few days if kept in an in an airtight container in the fridge.

6- Layer in this order- potato, a dusting of sifted flour (to thicken the cheese sauce), sprinkle some cheese and a dash of pepper. When you add the next layer of potatoes gently press down on the lower levels just to pack it gently and make them lay more evenly.

Keep layering till you get to about to this point (see above). This is where you're going to put the layer of browned beef with the vege.

BUT BEFORE YOU DO:

7- You MUST pour milk very gently over this layer until you fill the bowl (or pan) just up to the potatoes on this top layer. This is what makes your cheese sauce giving it that classic scalloped potato goodness.

8- Now add the browned ground beef leaving just enough room for one last layer of potatoes (what's with me not taking photos of the beef?!?!). Place the last layer of potatoes and then top with your remaining cheese. I had to use grated Parmesan for the top layer since I used up all the shredded cheese on the lower levels. No biggie- we're winging it remember?

see the milk level on those bottom layers?

9- Cook in a 350 degree oven, uncovered, for about an hour at which point I want you to check it by inserting a sharp knife down in though the center. It should go in nice and smooth like you were slicing a baked potato. If there is resistance then add another 15 minutes and check again. The one I did took 1.25 hours just so you have something to go off.

10- Done, but not quite because here's the hardest part. You want to let it sit for a half hour so that it gets a bit "solid". If you cut it too early it'll just fall apart. You want to be able to slice it and have it sorta keep it's wedge shape.

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock....DING!

Not bad huh? Are you going to give it a try?

P.S. Thanks for not pointing out my oven and stovetop need a good scrubbing. I already know and besides, how rude would that be of you since I just shared my recipe?

I Friggin Gotta Ged Dese

2011-01-30T15:07:00.000-05:00


Brooklynese

here

Listening To- The xx

2011-01-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

The xx - Crystalised

Trunk Show

2011-01-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Antique Tibetan Trunk

available here

Listening To- Culture Club

2011-01-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

Was humming this all last night and had to find it. Gosh I used to just love them, still do!

Culture Club- Time (Clock of the Heart)

I Call Bullshit- And A Harps Boycot!!

2011-01-27T10:28:00.001-05:00

A Twitter user took this picture at a Harps grocery store in Mountain Home, Arkansas of a Family Shield over the Us Weekly showing Elton John, his partner and their new baby.

Is this Porn?

A spokeswhore for Harps gave an interview to GLAAD (via JMG) confirming that the shield was used after people complained.

I spoke with Harps Corporate Executive Assistant Marty Yarborough, who told me that every Harps store is equipped with these shields and that they get put up whenever customers complain about the content of a magazine cover. She said the word from the store about this particular cover was that “several” customers had complained, so the shield went up. She also confirmed that these shields are utilized on a store-by-store basis, so the magazine would not have been covered up at any of the other Harps locations, unless customers complained there as well. She also told me that the usage of the shield on this particular cover is “in no way our opinion on this issue.” She quickly added, ”we do not have an opinion on this issue.”

Can I tell you how deeply this angers me? I could go off stating how disgusting, backwards, bigoted, and un-godly (yes, un-godly since god is love not hate) people are that would be offended by this. Unfortuantely that will probably get me knowhere with that low-breed of human since they are basic reasoning challenged. Instead we'll talk to them where it counts. Thier wallets!

If the use of the "family shield" by Harps Grocery Store offends you PLEASE do NOT shop at this, or any other HARPS Store.
Take your good sense and good money elsewhere. Please spread the word!!

In the meantime please enjoy the beautiful cover of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, 48, with their beautiful new baby Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John.

Owww?

2011-01-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

(click image for info)

Ahhh !

Brass Balls?

2011-01-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

No silly...

Brass Bowls!

available here

Tippy Toes

2011-01-25T16:06:00.001-05:00

I love my daughters feet.

Funny thing to write down but it's true.

Watching them work and learn gives me such a profoundly deep sense of joy in my heart.

She was showing off for her dad who was sitting just on the other side of the gate.

P.S. Please excuse my bad camera work. I really have to learn how to NOT put my finger in front of the lens.

Snow Leopard

2011-01-25T13:58:00.001-05:00

O.k., so technically Zorra's not a leopard but she is in the snow. My poor garden cats (that's fancy talk for ferals) are probably wondering if they're going to get a chance to thaw out and play in the grass ever again.

At least she looks ever so chic in her black and white ensemble.

Zorra

Hanky Panky

2011-01-25T09:05:00.000-05:00

Topall Handkerchief Ring

available here

Hitting The Pipe

2011-01-24T08:19:00.000-05:00


Tom Dixon Pipe Light

available here

&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Tom &lt;br&gt;

Do-over!

2011-01-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

Cavallini Jumbo Eraser

$3.00
here

Listening To- Oh Land

2011-01-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

Loving this chick right now. Hope you enjoy this Danish songstress and her great sound as much as I do:

Oh Land- Sun Of A Gun

Lovely Lovely Louis

2011-01-21T08:55:00.000-05:00

Monogram Nova Minaudiere

Galuchat Maestria

Galuchat Art Nouveau

Monogram Savage Tiger

If anyone out there has a spare $35,500 laying around please, feel free to gift me the Minaudiere.

Photo credits: Luxist

Ladies-In-Waiting

2011-01-20T09:05:00.001-05:00

Ladies-In-Waiting Dinner Plate

Feetish

2011-01-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

Lanvin

Let Your Hair Down

2011-01-19T11:58:00.001-05:00

Antique Art Nouveau Diamond Pendant in 18K c. 1905

available at Beladora

yes please

Listening To- The Jezabels

2011-01-18T05:56:00.000-05:00

The Jezabels- Hurt Me

The Good, The Bad, The Globes

2011-01-16T21:59:00.028-05:00

Let's just go there and start with the bad shall we?

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

I want to wrap gifts and arrange them around her feet.
This HAS to be pine scented right?

Tina is funny and so is her dress. Funny sad.

Oh Christina, it's always just too much. Your reds in your nails and jewels don't match and neither do the yellows in your hair and extensions. Speaking of the jewels, again, too much! Pick one of the rings (the one on your ring finger) and call it a day.

Little House on the Prairie meets the red carpet.
Save grace for the AMAZING purse Leighton because I'm fully planning to snatch it.

(b.t.w. I actually do think Jane and her wife Lara look just fantastic)
I thought this was the best dressed lesbian couple of the night until....

...I saw this couple.
She's fetching and her wife is quite handsome in her tux.
ughhh...cut your hair dude. You're looking WAY too fem lately.
The dress? Underwhelming.

YOU'RE OUT!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Seriously, WTF?? It looks like they just came from dinner on a yacht and Seal's leather shrunk because it got wet.

I'm torn because while I hate it on the red carpet
I think this is an absolutely stunning wedding dress.

Julianne is usually my number one pick so this saddened me.
I like half the dress (you have to guess which half).

Dowdy dress, drawn face, drab hair.
p.s. EAT!!!

Sandy, I'm o.k. with the Jenny Packham dress but girl you need to talk to
wigmaster Derek J because this one isn't working.
p.s. EAT!!

My pick for the WORST dressed goes to:
Halle Berry in Nina Ricci.

In a stunning turn of events Halle stepped out of the limo in just her Spanks. She obviously had forgotten to put her dress on before leaving the house.
Fortunately, some kind person gave her their shawl to wrap around her waist.
EPIC FAIL (and you should know better)!

Let's see some of the hits...

yea for both but Jane wins!

Dig it.

Damn! Trent Reznor, you clean up real nice!

Kelly Osborne rocked the turd out of this Posen dress!!

Yes!

Beautiful

Nice

All the stars in the universe are twinkling for you Olivia Wilde
and the Louboutin shoes? Swoon!

This is what I would have worn.
Piper Perabo watch out! I'm on a purse snatching rampage and yours is next!

Hands down my BEST DRESSED goes to:

I LOVE this color against Emma Stone's skin, the minimalism of this dress and the accessories. A brave choice. Not tired and predictable.
Absolute perfection!

Listening To- Marcy Playground

2011-01-16T02:16:00.003-05:00

Man this song brings me back. Living in Chelsea NYC, clubbing, grungy bars, hanging out, hooking up, thinking I ruled the world.

Fatta Cuckoo

2011-01-15T09:02:00.001-05:00

Fatta Cuckoo

63 Clinton Street nr. Rivington NYC

My husband is a native of The Lower East Side so we're always intrigued when we see new places opening. This one has me really excited.
Hmmm...I wonder what this is going to be?

Fatta Cuckoo, Neopolitan cockney for "to make crazy" is set to open it's doors next week. Owners, married couple Martin Kirchoff and Leah Tinari describe the reasonably priced fare as "seasonal American food with an Italian influence". Manning the kitchen is chef Brett Ackerman of Marlow & Sons and Diner so it's safe to say the food will be impressive.

Images via Grub Street

Hand Job

2011-01-14T03:02:00.002-05:00

L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream

Besides just being a great product it's got the requisite screw cap that won't pop open and spill in your purse.

Windsor In My Castle

2011-01-14T00:20:00.003-05:00

I'm absolutely in love with this Modern Windsor chair from West Elm.

Glug, Glug, Fizz, Fizz

2010-12-31T17:54:00.004-05:00

A little New Years tip for you:

If you can't finish a bottle of champagne after you've popped the cork, grab a metal spoon, drop the handle into the neck of the champagne bottle and put it in the fridge. It'll keep the fizz for at least another day.

The other option and my preference is finishing the bottle.

Happy New Year~

Love~ The Townhouselady

Glug, Glug

2010-12-21T12:34:00.003-05:00

The Townhouselady says: Inexpensive & Yummy

From the Big House Wine Company Website:

"Fire in the hole… err make that fires everywhere. Yep, `08 was a hot and smoky year in Soledad. We had most of the prisoners out on furlough working the fire break. Those hot days and non-existent precipitation did lead to tiny fruit, low yields and great concentration. This Big House Red lives up to that old Fruit Bomb moniker that you’ve come to expect. It starts with a nose full of loganberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavors of cranberries, roses, and a touch of rhubarb. This finish lingers, with flavors of vanilla, and dare I say a touch of smoke."

We Have a Winner!

2010-11-01T23:10:00.006-04:00

The winner of the Pillsbury “Love the Pie” Prize Pack is:

Anita from A Dreamer's Den!

Congrats and enjoy the pie!

Dancing With The Green Fairy

2010-10-31T17:49:00.006-04:00

The Wee One while very intrigued, smartly abstained from the Absinthe that her mama was indulging in last night.
(and yes, she's teething thus causing the flooding of drool on her little outfit)

Happy Halloween my dears!

United Bamboo Calendar

2010-10-27T17:45:00.000-04:00

love

How lucky Am I?

2010-10-22T11:31:00.003-04:00

I get to review another fantastic CSN store product. Woot Woot!

I haven't decided what yet simply because it's hard to choose when CSN Stores have just about everything. I might even see about getting a new ottoman coffee table. The Wee One is getting more and more mobile so it's just a matter of time before our glass one has to head to the basement for storage along with all of our other "hazardous" wares.

Stay tuned I'll pick something soon and let you know just what I think about it.

Shut Up

2010-10-20T10:00:00.003-04:00

Lanvin

Large Geode Pendant Necklace

$2,445.00

Merry Christmas?

pretty please?

Pillsbury Review & Giveaway

2010-10-19T22:57:00.011-04:00

Confession?
If you've eaten a pie at my house it's probably only half homemade. While I love to cook I'm not that enthused when it comes to baking. I tend to cheat and often use frozen pie crusts. So when I got the opportunity to do a review and giveaway for Pillsbury Pie Crusts I couldn't have been more excited.

I love Pillsbury Pie Crusts. Not only are they are convenient but you'd never guess they were frozen. They always come out flaky and light. Unlike mine which are hit and miss. How many times have you wanted to make a pie but didn't because the thought of making a great crust was just too daunting? Well if you have a Pillsbury crust on hand you can toss one together in minutes because you can count on it coming out wonderful every time.

For delicious pie ideas throughout the year visit Pillsbury.com/pie for fun and easy recipes to satisfy every season.

Oh yeah, I did mention there was a giveaway didn't I?

One lucky winner will get a Pillsbury “Love the Pie” Prize Pack To Enter:

You must be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
Leave a comment on this post. The comment must contain your email address for contact if it is not provided in your profile.
One entry per person.
Contest starts today October 19th, 2010 and ends Midnight October 19th, 2010
Winner chosen at Random

*Bonus*

Even if you don't win the prize pack you can visit Pillsbury.com/pie to download a printable coupon for $0.50 off a package of Pillsbury Pie Crusts today!

Pillsbury products, information and giveaway provided through MyBlogSpark

Review- Febreze Set & Refresh

2010-10-19T22:23:00.011-04:00

Tired of have to plug in scented oil air fresheners?

It’s Febreze to the rescue with the new Set & Refresh, a revolutionary fragrance system that keeps your house smelling fresher, longer! When using scented cones just isn’t enough, Febreze has got you covered with six new, long-lasting fragrances.

Found in Walmart’s new Air Care aisle, Febreze Set & Refresh is the only product of its kind to slowly release the same amount of scented oils over time. With Febreze Set & Refresh in your home, you can breathe a sigh of relief that your home will smell fresh and clean for days! without having to waste electricity or the use of an outlet.

I've been enjoying the fresh smell of Linen & Sky in my bathroom and Thai Dragon Fruit in the nursery. They smell wonderful and aren't the least bit overwhelming or cloying. The units are small and you barely even notice them in the room. I am so pleased with them that I've already stocked up so when the 30 days are up I can just pop a new cartridge right in.

Great job Frebeze!

Febreze Set and Refresh provided through My Blog Spark

Nom Nom Nom

2010-09-15T16:40:00.007-04:00

I spent some time this morning making organic baby food. Anyone whose gone shopping for organic baby food knows that the mark-up on these items is insane. So I decided to go ahead and make my own. It's really quite simple you just steam the veggies and blend them along with some of the steam water.
Then you strain them to get out the fibrous bits like the pea shells. Those get set aside and will go into our compost bin.
Put them into lidded ice-cube trays.
Mine are from Fresh Baby and are BPA and PVC free. After they are frozen you can pop them out and put them in plastic storage bags or whatever container you choose.

Then all you do is take out a cube of this, a cube of that and Voila! You have endless "blends" possibilities. I have a a wonderful book on baby puree recipes by Annabeth Karmel and you can get super creative with them.

After I tackled peas, I moved onto carrots, butternut squash and sweet potatoes.
So far sweet potatoes and carrots are a BIG hits!

Inner Circle

2010-09-15T08:31:00.000-04:00

Inner Circle Collection by Vanessa Gade

Glug Glug

2010-09-12T23:52:00.003-04:00

(click image for more info)

"A rich red wine with black currant, mocha and chocolate notes."

Yum.

Listening To- Hello Good Morning

2010-09-12T12:27:00.001-04:00

Diddy - Dirty Money - Hello Good Morning ft. T.I., Rick Ross

Chop Chop Snip Snip- Locks of Love

2010-09-10T18:22:00.014-04:00

Before...

After...(omg! I didn't notice until just now but I'm totally wearing the same shirt as in the photo with the baby. I have others, I swear!)

Now go and make yourself useful...(dollar bill is for perspective only, and is in no way reflective of it's suggested retail value)

I kept talking about it and I've finally done it. I got my mane hacked off and it's on it's way to Lock of Love so it can be used to make a hairpiece for a child suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure.

I feel so much better. Having all that hair was a pain in the tookus. Washing it, brushing it out, drying it. keeping out the tangles. Way too time consuming. That picture above? No product, no blow-drying, it's wash and go. Well, technically it's wash, brush and go but you know what I'm getting at. No fussing.

Someone a while back in either a comment or email, that I can't for the life of me find, had asked me if I dyed my hair and what product I used to make it shiny. So if you're still out there- I have never dyed my hair and I generally don't put any product in it except for hairspray on occasion. I use cheapo store brand Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner. My only "secret" is that I'd been taking pre-natal vitamins (CitraNatal) for a few years. That helps to keep it strong and healthy and once I got pregnant those hormones made it grow like a weed.

If you have long hair and are thinking of making a big change this may be something you'd want to consider doing. They DO take hair that's been dyed or permed just not bleached. The main requirement is that is be at minimum 10 inches and delivered in a ponytail or braid.

Sunday In The Park

2010-09-07T14:52:00.006-04:00

A Giveaway & Review- Yoplait Splitz

2010-09-07T13:44:00.008-04:00

Recently I was given the opportunity to review a new yogurt product from Yoplait called Yoplait Splitz and being a big yogurt lover I was excited to give it a try. The product description given by Yoplait sounded very enticing...

"Now you can drive past your local sweet shop without looking back. Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves. For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet, Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more."

I received the Rainbow Sherbert which initially had me bummed me out a bit since the thought of Sherbert yogurt didn't sound that appealing but much to my surprize it was really good! It actually tasted almost exactly like Sherbert ice-cream. It also had a really nice custardy texture.

I decided to put it to the test and called in additional test subjects my 7 yr. old and 11 yr. old neighbors. The 7 yr old specifically stated that they hated yogurt and I genuinely had to twist his arm to get him to participate. We tried them frozen and boy they were a big hit! The 7 yr. old said "This isn't yogurt!". When I assured him it was it was indeed yogurt it had just been frozen he then asked his mom why she wasn't given it to him frozen. Yoplait Splitz had won him over.

Me personally, I wouldn't get sherbert again. Not because it wasn't good it's just I'm not a sherbert gal. I am going to give the Strawberry Banana Split a try. A frozen, portion controlled, cup of that would be a nice alternative to gorging myself on a pint of high calorie ice-cream during the summer.

I can't send you any yogurt but what I can do is offer you a chance to win a free prize pack from Yoplait that includes an insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket.

To Enter:

You must be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
Leave a comment on this post. The comment must contain your email address for contact if it is not provided in your profile.
One entry per person.
Contest starts today September 7th, 2010 and ends Midnight September 12th, 2010
Winner chosen at Random

Yoplait provided the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark.

In Memorium

2010-08-11T14:25:00.006-04:00

J-Kun

(translated from Japanese "J- Boy")

1988 - 2010

The bestest boy cat that ever there was cat.

Rest in peace my lovey boy.

Scrub A Dub Dub

2010-07-20T18:16:00.001-04:00

My bambina in her tub

...And The Winner Is...

2010-07-19T12:08:00.005-04:00

Rosemary!

Congratulations, you are the winner of the super awesome $70.00 CSN gift certificate. I'll send you and email with all the details.

The Best Darn Giveaway That I Ever Did See

2010-07-07T09:07:00.009-04:00

I told you yesterday it was going to be an awesome giveaway and now you can judge (and enter) for yourselves.

What do you get? $70.00!!

That's right $70.00 buckaroos, greenbacks, dead presidents, dinero, cheddar, loot, bones, cream cheese y'all. Whatever you want to call it the prize is a $70.00 gift certificate to use as you wish at any CSN Store. Oh, did I mention there are over 200?!! I know, you can thank me later.

Maybe you're...

Looking for new headboards? They got em.
Luggage? check.
Cookware? Yessiree bob!
Need to work off some of those 4th of July hotdogs? Why not get some fitness equiptment?
Maybe you blew out your old fan during this heatwave. Now you can get a new one!
Seriously, they even have a store that sells construction supplies. I kid you not.

Just to clarify you are entering to win a one time use $70.00 gift certificate that can be redeemed at any one of CSN Stores 200+ websites. Sound good? Want to enter?

Those darn rules:

You must be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
You must leave a comment on this post stating What CSN store you would want to spend the gift certificate in (no, you would not be required to then spend it there). The comment must also contain your email address for contact if it is not provided in your profile (if it's not I'll have to delete the comment)!
Get one additional entry by posting about this contest on your blog then coming back here to post an additional comment on this blog providing the link.
Contest Starts Today July 7th, 2010 and ends Midnight July 18th, 2010
Winner chosen at Random
Open to residents of The United States and Canada only (sorry!)

Now go and enter!!

It's Not You, It's Me. No, Really

2010-07-06T12:00:00.004-04:00

I thought I should let you all know that yes, I'm still alive.

I've been a very bad blogger but a really great mommy. I knew that once I had the baby it was going to be inevitable that I pull back from blogging a bit but I just never imagined how 24/7 all consuming it would be. That must sound so naive to you seasoned moms (and dads!) but I really did think I'd be able to steal away more time during naps. HA! I keep seeing things and think I should blog about that and I just never get around to it. Sorry folks.

I bunch of you have asked how she's doing- she's wonderful. I look at her and think how the heck did two mutts like us get such a great kid? She's such a joy but, full disclosure, she's got this little bit of a bad-ass streak in her. She sure lets you know if you're not doing something to her liking. It's pretty cool that even at this age (4 months) they have such prominent personalities. Nature vs. Nurture? Nature is in the lead.

To make up for my absence I'm going to be holding an awesome giveaway. I'll announce the details tomorrow but suffice it to say it's not for some god awful tchotchkes that you'll never use or wear. How do I know? Because, you will get to choose it. Anything you want. For real. It's not from a store you don't need anything from. You can choose from over 200 stores. The best part? It's worth some serious coin. Sounds awesome right?!?! I knew you'd think so.

I'll fill you in on the deets tomorrow so make sure you come back.

Please excuse my no make-up morning face.

Oh, who am I kidding? It's not like any of you are looking at me!

Thanks for sticking by me-

The Townhouselady

I Used To Only Be...

2010-06-02T11:02:00.003-04:00

this big.

Swagger

2010-06-02T08:33:00.004-04:00

"Straight owning bake sales" Seriously- this cracks me up.
SWAGGER WAGON

J-Kun

2010-05-31T21:56:00.002-04:00

He's old, he's thin, and he's weaker, but he's still my handsome boy.

Who's The Boss?

2010-05-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

So me, the wee and a friend of thee decided to hop on the PATH train and headed on over to Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, NJ. Carlo's, a long time Hoboken institution. It's proprietor Buddy Valastro are now receiving notoriety from the show The Cake Boss on TLC.

Known for their specialty cakes Carlo's also has a decent assortment of the traditional Italian specialties you'd expect. Being a bit of an Italian pastry snob I was most excited to try the following (pictured from top left) sfogliatelle, pignoli tarts, hazelnut tarts, pasticutti vaniglia, pasticutti ricotta and cannoli. They were also famous, and with good reason, for their crumb cake so of course I had to get some of that as well. You'll notice that I had to sample the corner of it promptly after leaving the shop. The crumb cake was dee-licious!
All in all I thought the pastries were alright. Certainly not the best I've had. One of the things that most surprised me was how small they were. They were miniature. I did like that they fill the cannoli shells with the cream when you order them so that the shells don't get soggy. However, when I got home and tried them I realized it's necessary for them to do so because of the runniness of the filling. It was just oozing out. I was also disappointed by the lack of decoration on them. Not only did they look blah they tasted kinda blah too.

My go to bakery is Villabate-Alba in Brooklyn, NY. Bar none they have the best tasting Italian Pastries you'll find in the States. They have an enormous selection. The pastries are at minimum twice as large and are less expensive! You seen the Carlo's Cannoli, now take a look at the Villabate cannoliSee what I mean? No contest. And yes, they taste as good as they look.

Would I go back to Carlo's? Sure, if I needed a cake like a firetruck but so far as the pastries go I'm still sticking with Brooklyn. You don't need a TV show to make a good pastry.

Bonk Goes The Bieber

2010-05-21T11:31:00.002-04:00

This makes me much happier than it probably should. Good thing those doofus bangs will cover the egg on his forehead.

Sweet Dreams...

2010-05-18T12:13:00.000-04:00

Braggadocious

2010-05-14T16:59:00.002-04:00

This or That

2010-05-14T13:04:00.003-04:00

(click images for details)

Either will do.

Elegance Is Learned

2010-05-08T10:15:00.000-04:00

Baby high heels are so elegant. Particularly when you leave the sticker on the sole and the leopard hair bow is just Fabulicious!

Lush lashes

2010-05-06T08:40:00.007-04:00

(no Latisse was used in the making of this product)

My daughter's eyelashes are out of control. She didn't have any to speak of when she was born and then out of nowhere they shot out to crazy lengths and got darker and fuller. If only I could get mine like that!

It's All In The Details

2010-05-04T19:15:00.007-04:00

(click to enlarge for super awesome detail)

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood so me and the wee one took a stroll through the park with another new mommy and her bundle of love. On our way I spotted these incredible hand painted tiles embedded into a wall surrounding an apartment building. I'd never noticed them before and was so glad I had my camera on hand.

Obessing Over...

2010-05-04T11:25:00.004-04:00

Assad Mounser Jewelry

A Brief Message From The Townhousebaby

2010-05-03T09:42:00.003-04:00

My Joy

2010-05-02T09:53:00.006-04:00

Chatons Petits

2010-05-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

left to right: Remy, Jean Claude, Musette, Marie Trois, Toulouse and Henri

Can you even stand it? These little fuzzy angels (a.k.a. kittens) are being fostered by my friends. Today I had the most important task of helping to socializing them so they can be adopted out. Just how do you socialize a kitten? Basically you play with them! I know it was a rough gig but I made the sacrifice for the sake of the kittens.

I kinda have a favorite...Jean Claude

If you live in the Northeast, can travel to the NYC Metro area and can't resist adopting one (or six) of these most adorable little beings let me know and I'll put you in touch.

It Bespoke To Me....

2010-04-30T13:02:00.002-04:00

Centaure rings from the Hermès Haute Bijouterie collection

source: Vouge.com

Cattitude Adjustments

2010-04-29T13:18:00.012-04:00

A lot of you have asked me how the cats adjusted to having a baby in the house. For the most part they couldn't care less. The only thing they seem to have gotten bent about is the fact that they've been barred from some bedrooms. These days I spend a lot of time looking at them from behind bars.(Lou)

Fortunately for them we still have the office or as they think of it "The Cat Room" with a bed that's dedicated just for them. That's where we find them all hanging out most of the time these days.(left to right Sophie, Lou, Paw-Paw and J-Kun)

Except for Cookie... (H.R.H. Cookie)

She has laid claim to a shelf in the old bathroom cabinet. None of the others dare to go in it. Cookie is the Queen and will order up their execution in a flash if she suspects one of them is even thinking about looking at her shelf. What makes this spot so special is that it's located right above the radiator (see the screen on the door below her?). It's her own personal sauna. When we finally get around to redoing the bathroom we're going to have to figure out some way to accommodate her special spa location.

For my decorator buddies who have no doubt noticed "something missing" from the photo of Lou behind bars- Yes, we have purchased the missing quarter round for the floorboards. Now we just need to get around to painting and installing them, and stripping and repainting the baseboards, and, and, and... sigh.

(proof of purchase)

Glug Glug

2010-04-27T20:00:00.002-04:00

YUM!

"If velvet had a flavor this would be it. Bittersweet chocolate, dark Italian cherries. Sweet rose petals with a firm, satiny finish. Pure Washington Merlot. HELL YEAH!"

(click image for more info.)

Toga, Toga, Toga!

2010-04-19T09:14:00.005-04:00

Just one month later, my have we grown!

original post here.

Listening To- Outkast

2010-04-14T14:46:00.008-04:00

I've been dancing around to this all day. Can you believe it's already 10 years since it was released? It's still fan-friggin'-tastic.
I dare you to not to get your move on when you listen to it.

Some bunny...

2010-04-04T15:28:00.002-04:00

...wants to wish you all a very Happy Easter!

April Food Day- Bloggers Fighting Against Hunger

2010-04-01T06:22:00.039-04:00

You see the photo of my sweet baby in the post just below this? It's my job in life to make sure she gets everything she needs to grow up healthy and strong. As a mother I can't even fathom not being able to provide food, the most basic of necessity to her. How I would feel knowing my child was going hungry?

Sadly, that's something lots of parents are faced with as nearly 1 in 4 children are struggling with hunger in America.

I'm asking you to dig deep and give today.

How about we all donate the price of that fancy frappalattecino we buy every day to help fight against hunger in America? It would make a big difference. For every $1 you donate, Feeding America helps provide 7 meals to men, women and children facing hunger in our country. Please, go here and give what you can.

Please spread the word- blog, tweet, email, facebook, text, send smoke signals use morse code or just phone a friend. Let's get some people fed!

Some facts to ponder:

Feeding America is annually providing food to 37 million Americans, including 14 million children. This is an increase of 46 percent over 2006, when we were feeding 25 million Americans, including 9 million children, each year.
That means one in eight Americans now rely on Feeding America for food and groceries.
Feeding America's nationwide network of food banks is feeding 1 million more Americans each week than we did in 2006.
Thirty-six percent of the households served have at least one person working.
More than one-third of client households report having to choose between food and other basic necessities, such as rent, utilities and medical care.
The number of children the Feeding America network serves has increased by 50 percent since 2006.
Feeding America food banks provide food and groceries to 33,500 food pantries, 4,500 soup kitchens and 3,600 emergency shelters.
68 percent of pantries, 42 percent of soup kitchens, and 15 percent of emergency shelters rely solely on volunteers and have no paid staff.
55 percent, are faith-based agencies affiliated with churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious organizations; 33 percent are other types of non-profit organizations.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Meg at Pigtown Design and Chris at Easy & Elegant Life for founding April Food Day and organizing this annual event.

Daddy's Girl

2010-03-31T19:23:00.003-04:00

my two favorite people

Listening To- Hot Diggity Dog Diggity...

2010-03-30T12:23:00.002-04:00

Surprise...surprise...Daniel "Diggy" Simmons, son of Run DMC's Rev Run, is blowin' it up! Now we know who got those talent genes in the family. I suppose it doesn't hurt that he's rhyming over Nas' Made You Look track. That said, the rhyme is still hot.

Diggy Simmons | Made You Look Freestyle HQ