Gus & Charlucci

Two of our dearest friends recently had babies and we finally met the little darlings! As a result, Una has full-on baby fever. Of course, this was helped by the fact that he would spend 30 minutes with said child, then disappear for 45 to play video games, drink beer or watch his new favorite show, Scare Tactics, with the husband. Oh, the cuteness!

Charlotte Grace, 7 months:

"Abbey! You're so funny! Look at me giggling away in my duck tub."

"I've got my eyes on you, Jon."

"You will pay for your insolence!"

"Ah, sweet toy. All is well. You are forgiven."

William Augustus - "Gus," born August 5th:

"Woah, that curly hair is mesmerizing."

"Curly Man, perhaps a diaper change?"

Fast friends. And only 10 days old!

They were adorable and perfect and we loved them. And then we flew home, me and my 29 year old child, Jon. 

Catching Up

On approximately 2.5 months worth of house work. Will be back to normal posting soon!

Image via khasabhotel.net

Flower Class: Finale

After 8 weeks (of which I missed three classes due to traveling, boo), the floral course is officially over. While the rest of the ladies worked on a tropical arrangement (antherium, ginger, birds of paradise, palms, bamboo, etc.) last night, I made up for last week's missed tutorial: bouquets.

Grade: B (for effort and general shape, not precision or refinement). These puppies will take a lot of practice before they're presentable. All in all, a great class where I practiced different styles of arranging, learned flower cakes, bouquets, and pinned corsages. Plus, I had to buy flowers every week. They were supplies, Una! Homework!

Thinking of taking "Gardening for All Seasons" (you lay out and plan a garden that will flower continuously through spring, summer and fall), a one day sushi class and "Sewing for Beginners" (again) this fall. Decisions, decisions.

Check out your city's recreation offerings and see what they've got going on.

The Polished Prep by Providence Classic

My last style board for Boutonnieres & Bow Ties! The ladies are retiring the groom design board series to focus on the major growth of the 9tailors business.

Speaking of 9tailors - take advantage of the bespoke suit special happening now through September 1 (for men) and October 1 (for women)! Made to order just for you and only $280 for a men's 2-piece and $355 for a 3-piece? Heck, that's a steal. I'm personally thinking of a great off-the-rack Hugo Boss suit Jon bought on major sale that was double that price. And not made to fit. Email makiko@9tailors.com for all details.

http://boutsandbowties.blogspot.com/2010/08/polished-prep-3-by-providence-classic.html

One Ticket on Turkish Air

Two years ago I traveled to Turkey with my sister Emily and friends and it was the shopping trip of a lifetime (right, the culture rocked, too). When I came back (with a 5 x 7 authentic hand-loomed rug, 18 colored glasses for the wedding, a traditional ceramic serving platter, olive oil soaps, Ottoman-style frame and then some) I informed Una that I had left half of my future house back in Istanbul. And we would be needing to return as soon as the IRS refund came through. 

To Jon's delight (or at least the bank account's), I have not had the chance to return. Spying Copy Cat Chic's white ottoman today reminded me of all of the beautiful textiles we saw. My friend James bought two poufs just like this for his apartment. I think this is a great find for a nursery, luxe bathroom, beach-inspired living room, or any bedroom. 

Serena & Lily Ottoman (fantastic website): $395.00

Overstock.com: $122.99

You Cannot AKA Yourself

Listening to my favorite radio station out here this morning (88.9 FM), my ears were violently affronted by the following:

"You're listening to Tariq, AKA the architect and it's new music Wednesday."

First of all, "the architect" is about as pretentious as it gets. (I still love you 88.9, but let's call a spade a spade).

Second of all, you cannot AKA yourself.

And, second of all.

On a Stick

State Fair is in town, and that means only one thing: special times. Animal races, carnival rides, music, amazing people watching, food galore and games of chance (well, a few, such as the ever popular - "Guess What I Weigh!" Prize: My fist in your face. I suggest you aim low.)

I was prepared to hate the joint and be airlifted out of Wisconsin after witnessing the depths of its specialness. Instead, I had to be dragged out by Jon and only after it was promised I could return next year. I didn't get to go on the rides! I missed the pig races! What does a corn nugget taste like? Or a fried s'more? These are questions that must be answered!

It began with a million people.

Pretty much all in line for the famous cream puffs:

They are the size of small Volkswagens. Jon housed one.

Right outside the door is a selection of animal hides and heads unlike anything I have ever seen. Clearly, dead animal fur and a standing bear the size of a giant don't hinder a good appetite.

And what delicacies to be had! 

Cheese on a Stick! Still not exactly sure how that's different from a mozzarella stick on a kebob.

Fried S'mores

Corn Nuggets. (On a stick.)

Cherry Pie on a Stick. Really, what doesn't go on a stick?

Cranberry stomping.

Oh yeah, and the hat.

Good times.