NYC: NURSERY

We are back. After two and half FULL weeks of West Coast touring we are back. I don't know about you, but when I am away I often think of the many projects I would love to tackle. The Ninos and I are home just a few days before we head up to the Hudson River Valley so, there isn't much time for finishing any projects, but there is plenty of time to measure, take photos and rethink the nursery.

OPERATION NURSERY

I can not wait to see what is delieverd while we are away!!

Besos,

Mel

The West Coast Tour: Seattle Part Uno

Last week the Ninos and I took a quick trip to visit my sister in Seattle. We had never traveled to WA before and were not sure what to expect. My sister, being the fabulous host she is, planned a weekend of relaxing beach time that engaged our curiosity. 

After a quick bite of chowder we headed to the Seattle Aquarium. If you have little ones with curious minds, this is definitely the place you want to hit next time you're in Seattle. 

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A Farewell

Nine years ago, Liza and I took a trip to Northern Ireland with our husbands and a few other friends.  On our trip we were hosted by a lovely couple, Nancy and Alister (Ali) Hanna, and as a group we shared the most memorable meals together. We ate well, drank well, and had too many laughs to count. Liza and I continued to make a trip to N. Ireland for the following four years. Beyond the beauty and charm of the country, I am most grateful having made dear friends with the Hannas.  

Since our trip all those years ago, the Rev. has been colleagues with Nancy Hanna, and Ali's generosity helped made Jake's position possible. As we have walked together in life through the ups and downs, we remained steadfast friends.  Ten days ago, we said goodbye to Ali, as he died surrounded by his beloved wife and brother. Ali was more then dear to us, he was a confidant, faithful, and ever steadfast.  When I think of Ali I am reminded of the "peace that surpasses all understanding", and the beautiful hymn, 
"Blessed Assurance," 
for which by the grace of God he has now and always.

PAX, 

Mel & Liza

Summer Survival: A Quick Trip to AZ

The ninos and I have been on a whirlwind tour of the West. We began our journey in San Diego (dreamy beaches & perfecto weather), then on to Disneyland, and now we are taking a respite in the desert for a few days before we head to Seattle. 

During our excursion I came down with a terrible virus, which lead to vertigo, and I landed in the ER to get my head figured out, all very exciting.  Now that I am in AZ, I am taking time to stop and smell the roses, oops, I mean cactus. The Rev. insisted I take it easy, which does not come naturally, and I have taken his advice and took the day to walk along my favorite desert spot, the 

Wind Caves, just a few miles away from my parents' home.

Check out my favorite AZ spot.....

Summer Tents

You remember back in the winter months when Los Smiths built easy A frame tents (HERE). 

We loved having them all winter long.

Shorty Shorts

Shorty shorts are back.  I do think with the right Swedish Hasbeens, or Vans shorty shorts are the way to go this summer. I have some great cuts and prices on my favorite looks at Madewell, Zara, Gap, and Joe Fresh. 

Here are some photos to get you going….

Closet Inspiration

I have been out of commission for a while now, and I'm so excited to be back on Mel & Liza again!!  Here's a quick update on what I've been up to lately.  A couple of weeks ago, Jady and I joined (most of) his family down in sunny Florida for long overdue vacation involving eating, sleeping and sitting on the beach all day long.  It was wonderful, and I even read a couple of actual books, which I'm ashamed to admit doesn't happen very often at home these days.  White sand, suntans, seafood, riding bikes everywhere- it was fabulous.

Just after arriving home again, I went straight into the hospital to have sinus surgery, which I've known I needed for a while now but have been putting off (who has time to lie around recovering for weeks at a time??).  Thankfully the whole process was much less traumatic than I had heard or imagined, and I'm actually starting to feel like myself again! 

During my first few days of lying in bed, in between naps I couldn't help but daydream about what else we could do to this house (IF we had the money, and IF it made sense with the real estate market, and IF we stay here for 5 years-- you get the idea).  So, like I said, daydreaming.  But IF... then I'd want to build a second story onto the back of the house above the back rooms, which is just one floor at the moment.  That addition would 1) make our bedroom spacious enough to be a real master, and 2) give us an enormous walk in closet.  Yes, please.

I think part of my daydreaming exercise was brought on by the fact that, between packing, unpacking, and me being bedridden, our own tiny walk in looks like a grenade went off in there at the moment.  Even when it's tidy, our clothes are smushed together and crammed in so tightly there's not really room to scoot anything side-to-side.  So every now and then I like to imagine what it would be like to have one of these amazing setups...

Domino

Traveling con Niños: San Diego

The Rev. and I are on the West Coast for a week or so, taking in the rays and having some family time. When traveling with Ninos, I always prefer to travel JetBlue. The seats, accommodations, and service is just lovely. I don't know about you, but when I am traveling with little ones, the experience can be a bit overwhelming. 

via Life Magazine (Shirley McClain)

My solution to keep the stress level to a minimum is to always pack light, have the Ninos in charge of their own luggage, and have plenty of snacks loaded with protein. The kids are always excited to travel, so at times their energy level can be off the charts, at least for me anyway. 

The Roof Top Garden: Gramercy Park

A few months back I told you all we have begun planting on our roof top. My expectations were low. I thought it would be a great project for the Ninos, and who knows-- maybe we will grow something successfully. 

To my surprise, we have actually grown food we enjoy eating. We have a variety of green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and the list goes on…. Check it out, we are quite proud of our roof-top garden. Not bad for beginners…

Nursery Spoiler

The order has been placed and we are well on our way to having a new nursery in the church lobby. I can't wait!!!! 

Here are a few of the details….

Peggy Sofa via West Elm

Rugs via Land of Nod

Ballet Bar Mirror via Schools In

Lighting via Pottery Barn

Hooks via Land of Nod

We are well on our way to a sweet space for our youngest members. 

Mil Besos,

Mel

Summer Pack Away

The niños and I are packing up and getting ready to head west. Before we hit the road, I want to be prepared, especially when traveling with little ones. 

Step Uno: Pack Light & Well……

Monday: Nursery in the Works

Hola!!! We are soooo close to vacation for Los Smiths, but before I can take off I have a few items on my to do list. ONE major to do is revamping a space for our church nursery. I LOVE a project. 

Like most of my projects, they usually have to get finished under the gun, and this case is like 24 hours. I need to make my wish list and getting all my ordering in by mañana. YIKES!!! 

via interest

Here are a few inspiring photos I have in mind, you know, just in case Stella McCartney POPS in with her little ones…..

Deals of the Day: TARGET Home Decor

Right now at my local Target store they have several rows of clearance items in their home decor section, which I was compelled to check out, of course, on my way to buying necessities.  I found several summery, natural fiber and metallic pieces that all tempted me.  Like this oversized basket weave tray-- perfect for our outdoor coffee table on the deck...

I love this gold and glass lamp base!  Online it's still not on sale, so I might have to run back to our store and snag this one.

Some friends of ours have this awesome woven basket with painted top in their gorgeous home, and I had no idea it was from Target!  I might just have to copy them.

xo

Liza

Catching Up...

Now that Creative Arts Camp is complete, we are ready to move forward with summer. The last two days have been dedicated to my ninos and just a little R & R. I assure you have a few projects up my sleeve for the summer months I am itching to share.

via pinterest

Until then, I am obsessed with wearing whites, sandals, and minimal make -up. Don't you just love summer. Here a are a few inspiration pics to get you going...